The disclosure is directed to an implant tool used to facilitate the implantation of a medical device into a patient. The implant tool includes a housing that is held by a user and a needle attached to the housing. The needle is configured so that a cannula may be positioned over the needle and delivered to the target tissue. The implant tool also includes a release mechanism that pushes the cannula off of the needle. The release mechanism may help the user to keep the cannula at the desired location while removing the needle from the cannula. The implant tool may also include a flange that extends from the housing adjacent to a side of the needle such that the user may provide force against the needle during advancement of the needle into the patient.