Abstract
Eight SSIR pacemakers (PM), 13 DOD-PM and 11 SSI-PM were studied from 1980 to 1995 with special reference to battery longevity. The longevity of PM was defined to the period from implantation to explantation. PM longevity was compared among the mode and with the Japanese warranty period. The longevity of PM which were replaced according to the end of life (EOL) index was compared with the projected longevity of manufacturer. The output of PM explanted according to the EOL index was compared with the initial output. The longevity of SSI, SSIR and DOD was 9.9, 7.2 and 7.5 yrs. respectively. The longevity of SSI was significantly longer than that of SSIR and DDD. The longevity of SSI and DDD was significantly longer than the Japanese warranty period. The mean longevity of SSI and DDD replaced according to the EOL index was the same to the projected longevity. That showed the accuracy of EOL index. The output of DDD explanted according to the EOL index was significantly lower than the initial output. In conclusion PM can be replaced according to the EOL index and the Japanese warranty period may be reconsidered.
