Refurbishing Pacemakers: A Viable Approach
2004
Refurbishing Pacemakers: A Viable Approach
Sample size: 500
Editorial
Evidence: moderate
Author Information
Author(s): Anilkumar R Balachander
Primary Institution: JIPMER, Pondicherry
Conclusion
Refurbished pacemakers can be a suitable alternative for financially constrained patients who cannot afford new devices.
Supporting Evidence
- Refurbished pacemakers can last nearly as long as new ones.
- JIPMER has followed up over five hundred patients with refurbished pacemakers over the last twenty years.
- Refurbished pacemakers have performance and complications comparable to newly implanted devices.
Takeaway
Some old pacemakers can be cleaned and reused for patients who need them but can't pay for new ones.
Methodology
The article discusses the process of refurbishing pacemakers, including sterilization and checking battery life.
Limitations
Legislation in some countries may prevent the reuse of implanted devices.
Participant Demographics
Patients in India needing pacemakers, particularly those who are economically deprived.
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