An electronic control device assists in the insertion of an implant into the body of a patient, and allows the implant to be arbitrarily altered in shape by applying control signals. Patient-specific geometric body data from a body region into which the implant is to be introduced is input and stored. Computer-aided simulation of the insertion operation uses the patient-specific body data as a basis for simulating the insertion operation to produce actuation data which control the arbitrary alteration in the shape of the implant. The control device outputs the actuation data to the implant in the form of control signals on the basis of a sensed or calculated current introduction position of the implant according to the prior simulation.
