Pacemaker Reuse

Reuse of Pacemakers

“…Battery depletion is an obvious disadvantage for resterilized devices, as we mentioned above, and a reason not to reuse pacemakers because there might be associated risks in future pacemaker generator changes. 19 Interestingly, even when the average duration for all reused devices was lower than that for new devices, it was only 2½ years less (6.17±1.67 years [4-year minimum estimate] versus 8.9±0.68 years in control subjects), so, the average duration for the resterilized pacemakers was actually longer than expected. Resterilized devices do have a shorter battery life, as should be expected, and there is a tendency to have higher rates of unexpected battery depletion than in new pacemakers.…”

“…Once again, safety issues have been addressed. 18 Baman et al 19 published a meta-analysis of all the different studies published on this topic and found no difference in major events for reused pacemakers. Some limitations related to all meta-analyses, and correctly addressed by the author, should be taken into consideration.…”

“…The interest in donating devices to lowincome countries has been addressed recently in several publications. [19][20][21][22][23] A recent survey revealed that most devices explanted by morticians went to medical waste (44%) and only 18% were donated for human use in developing nations. Patients and/or family members indicated a willingness to have their devices interrogated after death and returned to manufacturers.…”

“…22 In another survey directed at electrophysiologists, the majority indicated that they disposed of explanted devices as medical waste and that very few were donated for reuse in underserved nations or veterinary hospitals. 23 Baman et al 19 have launched a formal initiative to donate devices to impoverished nations around the world. Organizations like Heartbeat International (http://www.heartbeatintl.org) specialize in donating and delivering new devices to third-world countries.…”

Pacemaker reuse: an initiative to help those in underserved nations in need of life-saving device therapy

“…Thus, a large number of potentially reusable pacemakers would be available for reuse. All deceased individuals undergoing cremation must have their devices removed, and as many as 5% of individuals choose to have their device removed before burial [7]. Importantly, patients and their families are willing to participate in pacemaker donation.…”