===== 🧠 Implantation =====

**Implantation** refers to the deliberate placement of a device, electrode, graft, or other material into the body—typically through a surgical procedure—with the goal of achieving a therapeutic, diagnostic, or monitoring function.

==== 🔍 Clinical Context ====
In neurosurgery, implantation often involves:
  * **Electrodes** (e.g., in Deep Brain Stimulation or epilepsy monitoring)
  * **Shunts** (e.g., ventriculoperitoneal shunt systems)
  * **Spinal hardware** (e.g., screws, rods, cages)
  * **Neurostimulators**, **drug pumps**, or **prosthetics**

==== ✅ Characteristics ====
  * Requires sterile technique and surgical access
  * Intended to remain **permanently** or **semi-permanently**
  * Materials must be **biocompatible**
  * Often guided by imaging or robotic systems

==== ⚠️ Complications May Include ====
  * Infection
  * Migration or dislodgement
  * Device malfunction or rejection
  * Mechanical failure or tissue erosion

==== 📌 Example Usage ====
  * “Bilateral STN-DBS electrodes were implanted under general anesthesia.”
  * “Spinal cord stimulator implantation was performed with fluoroscopic guidance.”