Implant Files

Health authorities across the globe have failed to protect millions of patients from poorly tested implants, the first-ever global examination of the medical device industry reveals.

BROKEN RECALLS

Hidden dangers: patients, doctors not informed of defective implants

By Spencer Woodman

Flaws found in hundreds of medical devices trigger safety alerts or recalls by manufacturers each year. Too often these vital warnings fail to reach patients and doctors.
KEY FACTS

Everything You Need to Know About the Implant Files

By Hilary Fung and Antonio Cucho Gamboa

Our year-long investigation uncovered the harm caused by poorly-tested medical devices. Here’s what we found.
UNDER THE SKIN

Patients Fight For Answers As Broken Implants Cause Unseen Agony

By Spencer Woodman

Millions worldwide live with faulty medical devices inside them that have been taken off the market.

Do you work in the medical industry? Or have experience with a medical device? Our reporting is not done yet. We want to hear from you.

Tell us your story!

Implant Files: An Introduction

By ICIJ.org

Patients around the world have become unwitting test subjects for new medical technology. Often following the trusted advice of their doctors, they have been injured, maimed and killed by poorly-tested implants.

In this investigation

Implant Files

Breast Implant Injuries Kept Hidden As New Health Threats Surface

By Sasha Chavkin

CONFRONTING THE UNKNOWN

Experts Warn Expanded Heart Valve Use Risks Patient Safety

By Cat Ferguson and Petra Blum

IMPLANT FILES

Medical Devices Harm Patients Worldwide As Governments Fail On Safety

By ICIJ

THE MEDTRONIC WAY

Medtech Giant Pushes Boundaries As Casualties Mount And Sales Soar

By Sydney P. Freedberg and Scilla Alecci

THE WORLD'S GUINEA PIGS

How Lobbying Blocked European Safety Checks For Dangerous Medical Implants

By Simon Bowers

COST OF REVOLUTION

Patient Hopes Rise And Fall As An Industry Balances Progress And Profit

By Dean Starkman and Delphine Reuter

INTERNATIONAL MEDICAL DEVICES DATABASE

New Database Tracks Faulty Medical Devices Across The Globe

By Emilia Díaz-Struck

INFORMATION

Frequently asked questions and resources for readers

By Amy Wilson-Chapman

Implant Files

Video: Meet The Patients With Defective Devices

By Razzan Nakhlawi

Implant Files

Do events in the Implant Files sound familiar? Share your story with the world

By ICIJ

Implant Files

Video: A Global Investigation Into Medical Device Harm

By Scilla Alecci

Implant Files

Video: Why Join The Implant Files Investigation?

By Razzan Nakhlawi

In Our blog

Implant Files in Asia: Regulation and transparency on medical devices remains patchy while patients suffer
‘I was told they were 100 percent safe:’ Breast implant stories from around the world
Investigative Reporting: Shoe-leather, data and empathy
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