Implantant

Implantant is a term encountered occasionally in medical and technical texts to refer to an implantable device or to the act or process of implantation. It is not widely used as a formal category in contemporary English medical vocabulary, where terms such as implant and implantation are preferred. When encountered, implantant may denote either the object placed into the body during a surgical procedure or, in some languages, the agent enabling implantation.

Implantants are designed to restore function, replace damaged tissue, or deliver therapeutic effects. Common examples include dental implants that anchor prosthetic teeth, orthopedic implants such as screws, plates, and joint prostheses, cardiovascular devices like stents or artificial heart valves, and neural implants including recording or stimulation electrodes and deep brain stimulators. Cosmetic implantants such as silicone breast implants are also used in reconstruction or augmentation.

Materials used for implantants must be biocompatible and able to withstand physiological conditions. Titanium and its alloys are favored for load-bearing metal implants; stainless steel and cobalt-chromium alloys are also used. Polymers such as medical-grade silicone, PEEK, or PMMA, and ceramics like alumina or zirconia are used in various roles, as are surface coatings to promote osseointegration or reduce wear. Implantant design considers mechanical stability, durability, ease of sterilization, and compatibility with imaging methods.

Regulatory oversight governs implantants. Preclinical testing and clinical trials assess biocompatibility, mechanical safety, and effectiveness. Standards such as ISO 10993 for biocompatibility and regulatory pathways like FDA clearance or CE marking apply. Post-market surveillance monitors long-term safety, including risks of infection, rejection, corrosion, or device failure.

Ethical considerations include patient consent, data privacy for brain or wireless implants, and access to technologies. Advances focus on personalization, biointegration, and minimizing invasiveness.