Implant

An implant is a medical device manufactured to replace a missing biological structure, support a damaged biological structure or enhance an existing biological structure. Medical implants are manmade devices where as transplants are transferred biomedical tissue. The surface of implants that contact the body might be made of a biomedical material such as titanium, silicone or apatite, depending on what is the most functional. In some cases, implants contain electronics, as found in artificial pacemakers and cochlear implants. Some implants are bioactive like subcutaneous drug delivery devices--implantable pills or drug-eluting stents. Among the most common types of medical implants are pins, rods, screws and plates that anchor fractured bones as they heal. Electrical-powered Implants An electrical implant is like an artificial pacemaker, which helps to regulate the heart rhythm. Lithium-ion batteries provide long lasting sources of energy to such a device. Bio-implants A bio-implant is a biomaterial surgically implanted in the body to replace damaged tissue. Common bio-implants are orthopedic re-constructive prosthesis, cardiac prostheses, skin and the corneas. Breast Implants A breast implant alters the size and shape of the breasts of a person. There are two primary types of breast implants: saline-filled and silicone-gel-filled. Saline implants have a silicone elastomer shell filled with sterile saline liquid. Silicone gel implants have a silicone shell filled with a viscous silicone gel. Dental Implants Dental implants are one of the few permanent implants that cross the boundary between the inside and the outside of the body. The bone of the mandible or maxilla holds the base of the implant and the top of the implant is in the mouth. Orthopedic Implants In orthopedic surgery, implants may refer to devices over or within bones that hold a fracture in place. Prostheses are the more appropriate term for devices that replace a part or whole of a defunct joint. In this context, implants exist both within and outside the body. There are many types of orthopedic implants. Implants correct an affected joint so that it withstands normal movement and stress. Implants enhance mobility and decrease the pain a patient feels. Orthopedic implants are available for the hip, knee, shoulder and elbow. Some examples of orthopedic implants are: safety locking plates; interlocking nails; nails, wires and pins; cranio-maxillofacial implants; mini fragment implants; small fragment implants; large fragment implants; cannulated screws; dhs/dcs & angled blade plates; hip prosthesis; acl/pcl reconstruction system; spine surgery and other external fixators. Implant Complications The process of implanting a medical device is subject to the same complications as any other invasive medical procedure, including infection, inflammation and pain. The body can also reject implants if the host immune system fights the implant as a foreign body. Failures There are many examples of implant failures, including burst of silicone breast implants, hip replacement joint breaks and artificial heart valve ruptures. The consequences of implant failure depend on the critical nature of the implant and its position in the body. Therefore, heart valve failure is likely to threaten the life of the individual, while breast implant or hip joint failure is less likely to be life threatening.