Patient preferences regarding device reuse and potential of devices for reuse - a study in a veteran population

Many cardiac patients need and undergo device implants. Veterans' preferences regarding post-mortem handling of devices are not known. Cardiac patients in low- and middle-income countries who need but cannot afford devices rely on donations. Charitable organizations have successfully provided devices for reuse to such patients.

We estimated the number of devices with potential for possible reuse in a veteran population.

Between January and December 2008, at a tertiary medical center, veterans with implanted cardiac devices were surveyed using a questionnaire for their preferences regarding post-mortem handling. One choice was donation to charity for reuse. Although altruistic, it is unclear what percent of such devices have reuse potential. Retrospective chart review of veterans who underwent device implants between 1992 and 2007 identified a cohort of patients with Implantable Cardiac Defibrillators (ICDs) who had died by April 31st 2009. In this cohort, ICDs implanted in the year preceding the patient's death were counted as having reuse potential.

94 of 97 veterans completed the survey. 56% were unaware of how devices are handled after death. The top three preferences for postmortem handling were: return to manufacturer, return to hospital and donation for reuse. 88% were willing to sign an advance device directive. Retrospective review identified 161 veterans who had received 301 ICDs. Of these, 77 ICDs (25%) had median reuse potential of 3.1 years.

In a VA cohort of deceased patients a substantial proportion of devices had reuse potential. Further research is needed to direct health policy.