Safety, Efficacy, and Performance of Implanted Recycled Cardiac Rhythm Management (CRM) Devices in Underprivileged Patients

Abstract

Our case series is the longest follow-up of recipients of recycled antemortem CRM devices. Our findings support the feasibility and safety of this alternative acquisition of life-saving technology.

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

“…My Heart Your Heart Donated pacemaker implantation has been successful in many recent small-scale efforts in LMIC [13][14][15][16]. Yet, the effort has not been scaled up to match the large need.…”

Reuse of Cardiac Rhythm Control Devices: A Review

“…Criteria for reuse of pacemakers in the Karolinska Hospital, Sweden included: no signs of pacemaker malfunction in previous recipient, no signs of damage to visible parts of pacemaker, normal parameters on control measurements with pacemaker system analyser, estimated running time >1/3 of total life-expectancy of pacemaker, or pacemaker implanted <3 years in previous recipient. 30 Kantharia et al 40 used explanted pacemakers with battery life >3 years whereas Hasan et al 27 used presence of >70% of battery life remaining for reimplantation. Adequate battery life was defined as >75% or >4 years of estimated longevity in a more recent reutilization programme involving 3176 devices (65% pacemakers, 21% ICDs, 12% biventricular ICDs, and 3% biventricular pacemakers).…”

“…Cultures are done in this regard. 27 Clearly, presence of a standard resterilization protocol would make the practice of device recycling more confident.…”

“…27 According to a survey of the general population in 2009, 71% of the general public and 87% of patients with pacemakers are willing to donate a device to people in need in another country, if given the chance. 28 …”

“…30 Pacemaker reimplantation was found to be safe and feasible without excess infection or device malfunction in different countries around the world. 27,[30][31][32][33][34] Some studies reported no statistical difference in survival between device reuse and new implantation. 35,36 Two metaanalyses have also demonstrated the safety and efficacy of pacemaker reuse.…”