implanter

An implanter is a term with dual usage. It can refer to a person who places an implant into a body or structure, or to a device used to perform the implantation procedure. In medical contexts, implantation is the placement of a biocompatible device or material within the body, often through surgical or percutaneous means. The implanter in this sense may be a surgeon, dentist, radiologist, or other trained clinician who performs the procedure.

Medical implants encompass a wide range of devices, including orthopedic implants (such as plates, screws, and artificial joints), cardiac implants (like pacemakers and vascular stents), neural and sensory implants, dental implants, and contraceptive implants. In dentistry, for example, a dental implant is a titanium post inserted into the jawbone to serve as an artificial tooth root, with a prosthetic tooth attached later through a staged process.

Procedural considerations typically involve preoperative assessment and imaging, sterile technique, anesthesia, and careful planning of the implantation site and trajectory. The procedure may be single-stage or staged, depending on the device and the clinical goals, followed by healing periods and eventual prosthetic attachment or activation of the device.

Safety and regulation for implants are governed by medical device and, where applicable, tissue-implant regulations. Requirements include biocompatibility testing, sterilization, clinical evaluation, and post-market surveillance. Potential risks include infection, inflammation, device failure, migration, and allergic reactions. Implanter training and credentialing are essential to ensure appropriate indication, technique, and follow-up care.