Living with an implantable medical device can change how you see your body and your health. These devices, whether pacemakers, ports, or neurostimulators, are meant to help manage chronic conditions and improve quality of life.
Globally, the implantable medical device market is worth $97 billion. That means millions of such devices are in use worldwide today. From pacemakers to port implants, these devices are being used to provide vital health support to many.
However, using an implantable medical device also means accepting a few unavoidable realities. You’ll need to live with specific physical, emotional, and medical adjustments that come with relying on a device inside your body. Understanding these truths can make the experience less intimidating and more manageable.
1 The Need for Regular Monitoring
Around 17 per cent of the total NHS medtech spend in the UK is specifically on implants and prostheses. A lot of these are likely medical device implants. Notably, once a device is implanted, your medical journey doesn’t end. Follow-ups and regular monitoring become a permanent part of life.
Your doctor will want to make sure the device is working correctly and hasn’t shifted or malfunctioned. These appointments might include imaging tests, bloodwork, or even software updates, depending on the type of device you have. Missing these checkups isn’t an option if you want to stay safe and healthy.
You might also need to adjust to the feeling of dependency on medical technology. For many people, there’s comfort in knowing their device is doing its job. But for others, the constant reminder that something artificial keeps them functioning can feel unsettling. Accepting these feelings and being honest with your healthcare provider about them helps maintain not only physical health but also emotional balance.
2 Possible Complications with the Device
Every implantable medical device carries the possibility of complications. These can include infection, allergic reactions, device failure, or improper placement. Sometimes, complications appear months or even years after surgery.
Accepting that no device is completely risk-free is essential before undergoing implantation. Your healthcare provider should explain both the benefits and the risks in detail so you can make an informed decision.
A well-known example is the Bard Power Port, a commonly used implantable medical device that delivers medications directly into the bloodstream. According to TorHoerman Law, while the device has helped many patients, reports of potential complications, such as blood clots and infections, have also surfaced. These issues have led to lawsuits against the manufacturer, with patients alleging that the device’s design contributed to serious health risks.
The Bard Power Port lawsuit aims to hold the company accountable for these injuries. Discussions around the Bard Power Port lawsuit settlement amounts highlight the severity of the harm caused. The Bard Power Port device has become a cautionary tale about understanding the risks of any implantable medical device.
#3 Lifestyle Changes Are Sometimes Necessary
Every year, in England, more than 2 million patients undergo procedures involving high-risk medical devices. Many of these are medical device implants, which further complicate the procedures.
Even after the procedure is over, the risk stays. Implantable devices can limit certain activities, even if the changes are minor. You might have to avoid specific physical exercises, exposure to magnetic fields, or particular types of medical scans. For instance, MRI compatibility varies among devices, and ignoring these restrictions can damage the implant or affect its function.
Some people also find that even daily routines require minor tweaks. Travelling through airport security might require extra screening. Specific clothing or accessories might feel uncomfortable over the implant site. These are not dealbreakers, but they remind you that your body now interacts with technology in ways it didn’t before. Accepting these boundaries early on helps reduce frustration later.
4 Emotional and Psychological Adjustments
Living with a device inside your body can bring about emotional challenges. Some people feel uneasy knowing that a mechanical or electronic component is helping them survive or manage a condition.
There might also be anxiety about the device malfunctioning or the need for surgery to replace it. These fears are natural but can take a toll if left unaddressed.
Finding a sense of normalcy often takes time. Talking with others who have similar implants or joining patient support groups can help. Knowing that you’re not alone in feeling conflicted can ease the mental strain. Over time, many people come to see their device not as a burden but as a partner in maintaining their health.
FAQs
What should you check before using a medical device?
Before using a medical device, check whether regulatory authorities approve it. Read the user manual carefully for instructions. Inspect for damage or missing parts. Ensure it is properly sterilised and calibrated. Confirm that it suits your specific medical condition and always follow your doctor’s or technician’s guidance.
What are the essential requirements for medical devices to be sold?
Medical devices must meet safety, quality, and performance standards. They should not harm patients or users when used correctly. Materials must be biocompatible and reliable. Devices should provide accurate results and function as intended. Proper labelling, testing, and documentation are required to ensure compliance with international regulatory guidelines.
Why are implantable medical devices necessary?
Implantable medical devices help monitor, support, or replace body functions. They improve patients’ quality of life and survival rates. Devices such as pacemakers, insulin pumps, and joint implants effectively manage chronic conditions. They allow continuous care and mobility. Their use represents a significant advancement in modern medical treatment and technology.
Living with an implantable medical device requires patience, awareness, and acceptance. It’s not just about trusting modern medicine but also about taking an active role in your care.
Ultimately, an implantable medical device can be life-changing in the best ways possible. But embracing the reality of what comes with it helps you live more confidently and safely with the technology that supports your life.
