Medical implants are devices or tissues placed inside or on the body. These range from pacemakers to artificial joints. Their fate after death depends on the chosen disposition method: cremation or burial.
Implants and Cremation
Cremation involves exposing the body to high temperatures, typically 760°C to 980°C (1400°F to 1800°F). Battery-operated implants like pacemakers and implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) must be removed beforehand. These devices pose an explosion risk, damaging crematory equipment and injuring staff.
Other implants, not powered by batteries, react differently. Metal implants, such as hip and knee replacements, dental prosthetics, and surgical pins, are made of materials like titanium or stainless steel. These metals have higher melting points than cremation temperatures, so they will not vaporize or melt completely but may deform or remain as solid residue. Silicone implants, like breast implants, will melt and can leave a sticky residue.
After cremation, non-combustible components, including metal implants, are separated from the cremated remains. Crematory staff use magnets or manual sorting to collect these objects. This ensures the remains returned to the family are pure.
Implants and Burial
For burial, there is generally no requirement to remove implants. No immediate safety hazards, such such as explosion risks, are associated with implants in a burial setting. The implants remain with the body as it is interred.
Implants are designed for long-term integration and are made from durable materials like metals, plastics, and silicone. Unlike organic tissues, these materials do not decompose at the same rate. As the body decomposes, these artificial components largely remain intact within the burial site.
Implants become a lasting part of the archaeological record. Future excavation of burial sites could reveal these durable medical devices, offering insights into past medical practices and individual health histories. While some environmental considerations exist, they generally pose no immediate environmental risks.
The Handling of Removed Implants
When medical implants are removed, their subsequent handling is governed by specific protocols. Removed implants are considered medical waste due to contact with human tissue and bodily fluids. They must be disposed of according to strict regulations to prevent contamination and ensure public health. They are typically not returned to the family.
Most removed implants are ultimately incinerated as part of regulated medical waste disposal processes. This ensures their safe destruction and prevents any potential biohazards. However, there are growing initiatives focused on recycling certain types of implants.
Valuable metals, such as titanium, cobalt-chrome, and stainless steel from joint replacements and dental work, can be recovered. Specialized companies, like OrthoMetals in the Netherlands, work with crematories to collect and recycle these metals. These recovered materials are melted down and repurposed for various industries, including new medical components, aircraft, or automobiles, rather than being reused directly as implants. Proceeds from recycling are often donated to charitable organizations.