Pacemaker Reliability

Just want to pass on this piece of statistics:
Studies of PM reliability 1980-2002 indicates that the reliability increased significantly, latest was 4.5 failures per 1000, or 0.45%

So, it should be better than that today.

Ken

1 Comments

ICDs DRAG IT DOWN

by pete - 2008-08-03 04:08:46

It is well known that the more complex ICD pacemakers are inherently less reliable than normal pacemakers that are much simpler and are not called upon to do some really hard work in the form of high voltage shocks. If these devices were excluded from the statistics then pacemakers would look extremely reliable. That is not to say that ICDs are not reliable. However total failure causing more or less instant death is very rare to put it mildly. Usually trouble is picked up upon by the techs before it threatens the life of the patient. Remember the old saying "there are liars, damn liars and statisticians". Worth bearing in mind.
Cheers pete

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