Battery life of cardiac implantable electronic devices explanted in funeral homes: a potential resource for underserved nations

Abstract

ABSTRACT Introduction Cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) could still have adequate battery life and functionality when they are explanted after the death of the carrier, supposing an important resource for low- and middle- income countries where patients cannot afford new devices.

Objective The aim was to analyze the remaining battery life and reusability of CIEDs recovered from funeral homes.

Method A descriptive study of postmortem explanted CIEDs was conducted. Devices were collected from three funeral homes in the Spanish region of the Basque Country (participation rate 33.3%). Devices with a remaining battery life of >75% or > 4 years, preserved external integrity and no evidence of malfunction were considered reusable.

Results A total of 188 CIEDs were collected (175 pacemakers and 13 defibrillators). Of the total number of devices, 95 (50.5%) had enough battery to be interrogated. Among the interrogable devices, a total of 20 pacemakers (22.4%) had an estimated battery life of more than 4 years, as well as preserved integrity and no record of malfunction.

Conclusions A non-negligible number of postmortem explanted devices had battery life, external integrity and functionality to be considered reusable. Postmortem CIED donation could provide treatment to patients unable to afford new devices.