Explanting

Explanting is the surgical removal of an implanted device or graft from the body, or the removal of tissue or cells for culture in biological contexts.

In medicine, explantation may be elective or urgent. Common examples include removal of cosmetic or reconstructive breast implants, extraction of pacemakers or defibrillator leads, and removal of orthopedic hardware such as screws or plates after healing or due to infection, irritation, or device failure. Explantation may be performed to replace devices, treat complications, or address patient preferences.

The procedure generally requires preoperative assessment, imaging to locate the device and surrounding structures, and informed consent. Anesthesia is used as appropriate. The surgeon uses sterile technique to dissect and remove the implant or tissue, sometimes requiring careful navigation of tissue planes, and may replace it with a new device or alternative therapy. Postoperative care focuses on wound healing, infection prevention, pain control, and monitoring for complications.

In biology and botany, explanting refers to the removal of plant or animal tissue to establish in vitro cultures. Explants may be taken from leaves, stems, roots, or embryos and placed on sterile culture media with growth regulators to induce callus formation or organ development. This technique is foundational in plant tissue culture, cloning, and genetic studies.

Risks in medical explantation include infection, bleeding, nerve or tissue injury, scarring, and the need for re-implantation. In culture work, contamination and failure to regenerate tissue are common challenges.