What is the importance of medical device cards for breast implants?

Question

Somehow my medical device cards for my breast implants were lost before I received them at the hospital. What is the benefit of having the card? Is there any way to find my serial number or have the card replaced ?

Frank Agullo, MD · Answer

Implant ID cards are important in case a recall by the device company ever occurs. They are also helpful for any future surgeries, company warranty, and to identify size and style. Even if you did not receive the card, the implant type and serial number should be in your doctor's chart or in the hospital's.

Erik Miles, MD, FACS · Answer

These cards are your personal record of your implant information.  The size and shape of the implants, as well as the serial numbers are on the card.  This information is also contained in your medical records.  In the case of silicone implants, it is also on file with the implant manufacturer.  Despite this redundancy, the card is a useful reference in the event that the records are not readily available.  The implant information is helpful when planning revision surgery, especially if you are using a different surgeon than the one who performed the original procedure.

Peter J. Capizzi, MD · Answer

These cards are mostly good to the recipient as reference to the medical device placed.  Of course, breast implants have these cards, but hospitals also record them digitally and sometimes in a specific implant log book.  Finally, if the electronic medical record system is in use at a hospital it can be found there as well.  By requesting your records from a hospital or surgeon, one should be able to find these specifics.

Heather J. Furnas, MD · Answer

If you ever have a problem with your implants or if you ever have another procedure on your breasts from another plastic surgeon, the device cards hold important information. Keep a copy in an accessible place. Some of my breast revision patients who had their original surgery elsewhere a long time ago can't remember what safe place they've been keeping that card all these years.

Andrew Goldberg, MD · Answer

Your breast implant device card contains important information regarding the manufacturer, style, and size of your implants along with the unique serial number. This allows you to share these details with your physicians in the future if you require any revision or replacement. The implant device information should be listed on your operative report so a copy of that record would provide the details if you can't obtain the card.

What is the importance of medical device cards for breast implants?

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Answer: Breast Implant Device Cards

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Answer: Breast implant device cards

Answer: Breast implant device cards

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What is the importance of medical device cards for breast implants?

Answers (10)

Answer: Breast Implant Device Cards

Answer: Breast Implant Device Cards

Answer: Breast implant device cards

Answer: Breast implant device cards

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Implants

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.