Issues affecting refurbishment and re-use of pacemakers

Abstract

This paper discusses the problems associated with the refurbishing and re-use ofmedical devices which are sold by manufacturers as ?single use items? by focusingin particular on the re-use of pacemakers. Re-use of single-use devices such aspacemakers does occur in Australia, and in many other parts of the world, but therehas been little public awareness of this fact. The paper explains and discussesmedical, legal and ethical issues which arise through the re-use of pacemakers. Italso discusses the recommendations of the 1995 ?Draft report of the NHMRCExpert Panel on Re-Use of Medical Devices Labelled as Single Use?.