Clinician satisfaction and insertion characteristics of a new applicator to insert radiopaque Implanon: an...

The etonogestrel (ENG) implant Implanon is a progestin-only contraceptive that provides effective contraception for up to 3 years. A new radiopaque ENG implant has been developed to extend the diagnostic modalities of Implanon and a next-generation applicator (NGA) was designed to facilitate correct subdermal insertion of Implanon.

In this open-label study, 23 investigators, experienced and inexperienced with Implanon, performed 301 insertions of the new radiopaque implant using the NGA. Primary outcome measurements were obtained from clinician satisfaction questionnaires completed after the 4th, 8th and 12th insertions. Additionally, insertion characteristics and X-ray visibility were assessed.

Almost all investigators were satisfied with the NGA from the first insertion onward, and all were satisfied or very satisfied after 12 insertions. The most frequently reported advantages included ease of use, one-handed action and fast insertion time; 2% of insertions were considered difficult in skin puncturing and/or sliding the needle subdermally. Three incorrect insertions occurred due to noncompliance with instructions. All assessed implants were visible on plain X-ray imaging.

The NGA was well accepted by investigators with or without prior experience with Implanon. The results stressed the importance of correctly following implant insertion instructions.