Many heart patients in India are too poor to afford pacemakers. Various studies have investigated whether donated pacemakers can be re-used safely in heart patients. A recent study involving 25 patients with a reused pacemaker, it was concluded that with a standardized sterilization process, explanted pacemakers with a battery life of more than six years can be reused safely. References European Society of Cardiology.
Press Release: Mexican doctors safely reuse-donated pacemakers after sterilization. 02 November 2017.
