Portal de Periódicos da CAPES

Pacemaker reutilization for those in underserved nations: examining preliminary data and future prospects

2013; Pulsus Group; Volume: 5; Issue: 6 Linguagem: Inglês

10.2217/ica.13.55

1755-5310

Auroa Badin, Timir S. Baman, Kim A. Eagle, Thomas Crawford,

Cardiac Arrhythmias and Treatments

A great disparity exists in the utilization of pacemakers between the developed world and the low- and middle-income countries where healthcare resources are limited. Worldwide, it is estimated that more than 1 million individuals are in need of pacemakers to treat life-threatening bradyarrhythmias. Pacemaker reutilization is a promising solution to overcome the cost barrier of treating highly symptomatic bradyarrhythmias in these countries. Thus far, this initiative has gained the support of physicians, patients and funeral directors who have proven that a feasible model to deliver these devices to underserved nations is achievable. Many challenges still exist regarding pacemaker reutilization, however, Project My Heart Your Heart is working with the US FDA to overcome many of these obstacles with the goal of alleviating the associated morbidity and mortality of this otherwise treatable epidemic.