Postmortem Analysis and Retrieval of Implantable Pacemakers and Defibrillators

To the Editor: Recent recalls of implantable pacemakers and defibrillators have cast a spotlight on the need for improved product reliability.1 Although it is estimated that the failure rate of these devices is low, the true rate of device malfunction is not known. The Food and Drug Administration recently stated that it supports a policy requiring that defibrillators be returned to the manufacturer to be studied for possible defects after the death of a patient.2 The few published guidelines available for morticians concerning the handling of devices make no mention of routine interrogation or retrieval.3,4 Therefore, we surveyed embalmers . . .