[Reuse of implanted pacemakers]

One specific institution reports 310 cases of reuse of pacemakers from 1974 to 1993. 111 were obtained after replacement, and 199 after the death of the first user. The average duration of the primary implant was 12 months (0-53 months). 177 functioned up to time of death, 43 months (0-177 months). In 107 cases the cause of death was unrelated to use of a pacemaker, was unknown in 61, and was sudden in 9 patients. 64 pacemakers were replaced, 14 because of infections or skin erosions. The causes of death and the prevalence and indications for generator replacement coincided with those in our population of new pacemaker-users in 1988-93.

Pacemaker re-use in our hospital is safe and cost-effective.