Feasibility of postmortem device acquisition for potential reuse in underserved nations.

Objectives: The purpose of the present study was to examine the feasibility and efficacy of a program to acquire devices with adequate battery life from crematories and funeral homes for potential reutilization in underserved nations.

Background: There exists a great health-care disparity between the industrialized world and underserved nations--specifically in the frequency of pacemaker implantation.

Methods: Flyers were mailed to all 1057 members of the Michigan Funeral Directors Association providing information to download a consent-for-explant form and request a postage-paid envelope from www.

Safety of pacemaker reuse: a meta-analysis with implications for underserved nations.

Background: A large disparity in medical health care is clearly evident between developed and underserved nations in the field of cardiac electrophysiology, specifically pacemaker implantation. This study aimed to assess the safety of pacemaker reuse.

Methods And Results: A computerized search from January 1, 1970, to September 1, 2010, identified 18 studies with outcomes of pacemaker reuse.

Societal views of pacemaker reutilization for those with untreated symptomatic bradycardia in underserved nations.

Purpose: Significant healthcare disparities exist between the developed world and low and middle income countries (LMIC), specifically in the field of cardiac electrophysiology. As a result, pacemaker reutilization has been proposed as a viable option for those in LMIC and no other means of obtaining a device. Little data exist regarding the feasibility of establishing a reuse program in addition to understanding the views of society on device reutilization.