A pacemaker is a small electronic device implanted under the skin to regulate the heartbeat in people whose heart beats too slowly or irregularly. For many patients, it is a life-saving device—but its cost can place it beyond the reach of families who cannot afford it.
What many people do not know is that a pacemaker may still have useful battery life even after its recipient has passed away. In carefully selected cases, the device can be removed after death, professionally assessed for remaining battery life and function, appropriately reprocessed and considered for implantation in another patient who is unable to afford a new device. Evidence from India and other countries supports the feasibility of this approach when appropriate medical, sterilisation, consent and regulatory processes are followed.
How can you donate?
If a loved one who has a pacemaker passes away, please do not assume that the device has to be buried or cremated with them. Speak to the treating hospital or contact us as soon as possible. With the family’s informed consent, we can help coordinate the appropriate medical team for device retrieval, evaluation and referral for possible reuse.
The pacemaker itself is evaluated carefully—devices with inadequate battery life, damage or other concerns are not considered for reuse. The pacemaker leads are generally not reused because of the difficulty in ensuring their sterility and mechanical integrity.
Your donation could help another life
For a family, donating a pacemaker can be a meaningful way to transform a moment of loss into an opportunity to help someone else. A device that is no longer needed by one person may, when medically suitable and properly processed, give another person the chance to live a healthier and more independent life.
If your family would like to donate a pacemaker after the death of a loved one, please contact us. We will help guide you through the process and connect you with the appropriate medical team.
How can you be a part of the donation program?
- If you are a doctor, you can also contact the Department of Cardiology and EP Christian Medical College Vellore, TN, India, and if they agree to guide you, can take initiatives to donate the pacemaker device for free, with proper consent obtained from the deceased’s family.
- If you are the relative of deceased individual with pacemaker in them, willing to donate the pacemaker device, contact the nearest cardiologist/ doctor to coordinate for the donation program.
You too can give a pulse to the pulseless!!
Can you verify if the device is donated to the any poor financially patients?
The records for device donation are maintained by the medical institution where it is done.
Authored by
Dr. Sanoop Kumar Sherin Sabu M.D.,
Physician, Diabetologist and Palliative Care Consultant
Email:- skssabu@gmail.com
9847811159