Experience with recycled cardiac pacemakers

Twelve years experience with pacemaker re-use is reported. Between November 1979 and December 1991, forty two pacemakers were re-used in 42 patients after in-hospital reconditioning. There were 31 males and 11 females in the age range of 29 to 84 years (mean 59 +/- 13 years). In 29 patients, the pulse generator was explanted because of pocket infection and/or impending extrusion, and it was re-implanted at a new site after sterilization. In the remaining 13 patients pacemakers explanted from other patients were implanted because of economic reasons. All patients were regularly followed up in the pacemaker clinic for a mean duration of 34 +/- 35 months (range 6-126 months). There was one infection and one erosion after 12 and 27 months respectively. One of these units was resterilized and implanted without any recurrence of infection or erosion over a follow up of 12 months. There was no adverse reaction or pulse generator failure. Our experience suggests that the use of refurbished pacemakers is a safe and economically viable option.