Tag: Medical implant

Over 400,000 interbody spinal fusions are performed in the United States each year. Despite the high frequency of this procedure, many people wonder: **Is a fusion considered an implant?** The simplest answer is no; a fusion is the biological process of bones healing together, while an implant is a medical device that a surgeon uses to facilitate this process.

In clinical trials for the hormonal implant Nexplanon, up to 25% of users reported headaches as a common side effect. Understanding why and how headaches can arise from medical implants is crucial for patient health, and the cause varies significantly depending on the type of implant, whether it's hormonal or dental.

Over 50% of pediatric shunts may require revision within the first two years, highlighting the variability in device longevity. The question, **What is the lifespan of a shunt?**, has a complex answer, as it is a medical device that does not have a fixed expiration date but rather an operational longevity influenced by many factors.

Depending on the device type and usage, an implanted nerve stimulator's battery can last anywhere from a few years to more than a decade. Understanding **how long do nerve stimulators last?** is crucial for patients managing chronic conditions and planning for long-term treatment.

According to the Hydrocephalus Association, over 1 million Americans live with hydrocephalus, with the majority relying on a shunt system for treatment. For those unfamiliar, the question, "What do shunts look like?" often arises, as these life-saving medical devices are primarily hidden beneath the skin.

According to a study published by Oxford Academic, a single Nuss bar can weigh anywhere from 53 g to 96 g, depending on its size. This small amount is often a surprise to patients asking **how much do the Nuss bars weigh?** and considering the implant's impact on their lives.

According to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, an implanted port is typically placed in the chest, about one inch below the collarbone. This minor surgical procedure, also known as a Port-a-Cath, is a critical component for patients needing long-term venous access, providing a convenient and reliable way to administer medication, fluids, and blood products while protecting smaller veins from repeated use.

While medical implant procedures have high success rates, complications can occasionally arise after surgery or even years later. It's crucial to know the warning signs and ask, "How do you know if your implant isn't working?" to ensure your health is not compromised.

Over one million stent procedures are performed annually in the U.S. alone, leaving many to wonder about daily life post-surgery, especially regarding security checkpoints. So, will a stent set off a metal detector? For nearly all modern stents, the answer is no, due to their small size and non-ferromagnetic materials.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly one in five adults in the US has a history of heart disease, with many having undergone a stent procedure. A stent, used to treat narrowed or blocked arteries, is a surprisingly tiny yet vital medical device with a specific and intricate design. Here’s what a stent looks like.