Key result
First pacemakers carry a ~22% explantation rate, frequently driven by technical failures or complications.
Cohort (n=96,900)
Yes
Despite technological progress, a substantial proportion of pacemaker generators are explanted before their expected service time, frequently due to technical failures or infections.
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High explantation rates warrant vigilance for device failures in follow-up; leaves open whether newer technologies meaningfully improve longevity.
Vries et al. (2017) conducted a cohort in Pacemaker implantation (n=96,900). Pacemaker implantation was evaluated on Explantation of pacemaker generators. In a nationwide Dutch cohort, 22.4% of first pacemaker generators were explanted within a mean of 6.3 years, with one in five replacements due to technical failures, infections, or complications.
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