Feasibility and opinions of postmortem reuse of explanted cardiac devices

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.26876/osagaiz.1.2024.565

Keywords:

reuse, low- and middle-income countries, feasibility, Implantable cardiac electronic devices, opinions

Abstract

Cardiovascular diseases are a major cause of death in low- and middle-income countries, where access to cardiac implantable electronic devices is limited due to high costs. However, in high-income countries, many of these devices are explanted postmortem with significant battery life remaining. In the light of this, the reuse of used cardiac devices has emerged as a viable and safe option.

This study aimed to assess the feasibility of establishing a national program for donating postmortem cardiac devices to low- and middle-income countries.

The research involved a comprehensive literature review, opinion surveys conducted among specialists in cardiac electrostimulation therapies, patients with cardiac devices, and patients without access to new devices in a Bolivian hospital. Additionally, two samples of postmortem explanted devices from local funeral homes were analyzed.

The results indicated positive perspectives on donation in both high- and low-income countries, with a preference for device reuse among patients lacking access to new devices in Bolivia. Specialists in cardiac electrostimulation therapies expressed a strong inclination towards donating explanted devices. Patients with implanted devices also demonstrated a willingness to donate their explanted devices. Furthermore, regular collections of postmortem explanted devices from funeral homes revealed that 50% of the devices could be reused.

These findings suggest the feasibility of establishing a national program for donating postmortem explanted cardiac devices, which could provide a treatment alternative for many patients in low- and middle-income countries. Nonetheless, further research and the development of standardized protocols are necessary to ensure the safety and effectiveness of this practice.

Author Biography

Iñigo Lorenzo Ruiz, Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea

Erizaintza departamentuko irakaslea eta ikerlaria.

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Published

2024-06-27

How to Cite

Lorenzo Ruiz, I. (2024). Feasibility and opinions of postmortem reuse of explanted cardiac devices. Osagaiz: Osasun-Zientzien Aldizkaria, 8(1), 39–50. https://doi.org/10.26876/osagaiz.1.2024.565