Related Experiment Videos
[Pacemakers: concerning check-ups (author's transl)]
Abstract:
The Authors have re-examined their case histories of 1503 patients who have had 2459 pacemakers implanted and who have undergone check-ups as outpatients. All the complications which have arisen from 1967 to the present have been taken into consideration. The total number of complications has been found in 355 patients with 14% of the total number of pacemakers and they have been subdivided into 3 groups: 1st group: complications arising during the stay in hospital (110); 2nd group: complications arising after discharge from hospital and discovered by the patient (239); 3rd group: complications found casually during outpatients' check-ups (6). Of the complications found after discharge, 97% belong to the second group and only 3% to the third group. 657 substituted pacemakers have also been taken into consideration with the purpose of finding out the parameters which showed up as the battery was running down. Out of 145 pacemakers substituted because of flat batteries, 130 (90%) have shown brusque variations in the frequency of stimulation, while only 15 (10%) have shown variations in other parameters (width, length of impulse, etc). The Authors therefore retain that a periodic outpatients' check-up of the pacemakers is of little use as regards the patients' safety and the complete utilization of the device, while they advise that the patient be educated so as to be able to carry out his own daily control of the pacemaker.
Insights
Periodic outpatient pacemaker check-ups are of limited value. Educating patients for daily self-monitoring is more effective for pacemaker safety and optimal device function.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Biomedical Engineering
Context:
- Review of 1503 patients with 2459 implanted pacemakers.
- Analysis of complications from 1967 to present.
- Inclusion of 657 substituted pacemakers to identify battery depletion indicators.
Purpose:
- To evaluate the efficacy of periodic outpatient check-ups for pacemaker patients.
- To identify reliable parameters indicating pacemaker battery depletion.
- To determine optimal strategies for patient safety and pacemaker management.
Summary:
- Complications occurred in 14% of pacemakers, with 97% of post-discharge issues detected by patients.
- Abrupt frequency variations were observed in 90% of pacemakers with depleted batteries.
- Periodic outpatient check-ups showed minimal utility in detecting complications or ensuring device function.
Impact:
- Suggests a shift from routine outpatient monitoring to patient education for self-assessment.
- Highlights the importance of patient awareness in managing pacemaker function and safety.
- Advocates for empowering patients with knowledge for effective daily pacemaker control.