Where have all the implants gone?  The need for surveillance and tracking.
This article examines the issues involved in the recent, widely publicized failures of some implants.  It is important that the health care industry and patients have realistic expectations of implants. The limitations as well as the benefits of current technology and practices must be acknowledged, so that the industry can continue to be innovative and sustain the confidence of patients.  The author suggests that an important element in achieving this is for the industry to take the initiative in formulating an effective tracking and assessment system.
Williams
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Clinical Engineering Department, Royal Liverpool University Hospital, UK.
D004867:Equipment Design; D004868:Equipment Failure; D006801:Humans; D007883:Legislation, Medical; D011358:Product Surveillance, Postmarketing; D019736:Prostheses and Implants; D011785:Quality Assurance, Health Care; D013548:Sweden; D014481:United States