Implant (medicine)

Orthopedic implants to repair fractures to the radius and ulna. Note the visible break in the ulna. (right forearm)

An implant is a medical device manufactured to replace a missing biological structure, support a damaged biological structure, or enhance an existing biological structure. For example, an implant may be a rod, used to strengthen weak bones. Medical implants are human-made devices, in contrast to a transplant, which is a transplanted 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.^[1] In 2018, for example, American Elements developed a nickel alloy powder for 3D printing robust, long-lasting, and biocompatible medical implants.^[2] In some cases implants contain electronics, e.g. artificial pacemaker and cochlear implants. Some implants are bioactive, such as subcutaneous drug delivery devices in the form of implantable pills or drug-eluting stents.^[3]

^ Wong, J.Y.; Bronzino, J.D.; Peterson, D.R., eds. (2012). Biomaterials: Principles and Practices. Boca Raton, Florida: CRC Press. p. 281. ISBN 9781439872512. Retrieved 12 March 2016.
^ "Medical Devices". American Elements. Retrieved 20 December 2023.
^ "Download Product Code Classification Files". FDA.org/medicaldevices. Food and Drug Administration. 4 November 2014. Retrieved 12 March 2016. Relevant info in the foiclass.zip file.

[WongBio12-1] Wong, J.Y.; Bronzino, J.D.; Peterson, D.R., eds. (2012). Biomaterials: Principles and Practices. Boca Raton, Florida: CRC Press. p. 281. ISBN 9781439872512. Retrieved 12 March 2016.

[2] "Medical Devices". American Elements. Retrieved 20 December 2023.

[FDAClassDB-3] "Download Product Code Classification Files". FDA.org/medicaldevices. Food and Drug Administration. 4 November 2014. Retrieved 12 March 2016. Relevant info in the foiclass.zip file.

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