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Journal of Interventional Cardiac Electrophysiology

Published in:

01-01-2012

Pacemaker implantation in the extreme elderly

Authors: Robert T. Stevenson, David Lugg, Robert Gray, Douglas Hollis, Michelle Stoner, Jeffrey L. Williams

Published in: Journal of Interventional Cardiac Electrophysiology | Issue 1/2012

Abstract

Introduction

There are scant data for pacemaker implant complications and readmission rates in the extreme elderly (age ≥80 years) despite their common use in this population.

Methods

This is a retrospective chart review of consecutive patients (n = 149, age ≥80 years) who underwent pacemaker implantation at a community hospital electrophysiology program from July 2008 through June 2010. Single-, dual-, and biventricular-chamber pacemakers and generator changes were included for analysis; cardioverter–defibrillator devices, temporary pacemakers, and loop recorders were excluded. Standard procedures for implantation were used. Major complications were defined as death, cardiac arrest, cardiac perforation, cardiac valve injury, coronary venous dissection, hemothorax, pneumothorax, transient ischemic attack, stroke, myocardial infarction, pericardial tamponade, and arteriovenous fistula. Minor complications were defined as drug reaction, conduction block, hematoma or lead dislodgement requiring reoperation, peripheral embolus, phlebitis, peripheral nerve injury, and device-related infection.

Results

The overall mean age of implantation was 86 years. There were no intraprocedural complications. There was one major in-hospital complication (0.7%) and one minor in-hospital complication (0.7%). Within 30 days of implantation, there was an overall 5.4% rate of complications; four minor (2.7%) and four major (2.7%). There was a 30-day cardiovascular-attributable mortality of 0.7% and an all-cause mortality of 2%. There was a 5.4% rate of readmission within 30 days of implantation.

Conclusions

This report of pacemaker implantations in the extreme elderly reveals rates of implant complications comparable to data from younger patient populations while experiencing a higher 30-day all-cause mortality (that may be attributable to elevated all-cause mortality rates in this age group).

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Title: Pacemaker implantation in the extreme elderly
Authors: Robert T. Stevenson
David Lugg
Robert Gray
Douglas Hollis
Michelle Stoner
Jeffrey L. Williams
Publication date: 01-01-2012
Publisher: Springer US
Published in: Journal of Interventional Cardiac Electrophysiology / Issue 1/2012
Print ISSN: 1383-875X
Electronic ISSN: 1572-8595
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10840-011-9618-5

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Pacemaker implantation in the extreme elderly

Abstract

Introduction

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Introduction

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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