The world's longest lasting VVI pacemaker device for over 40 years.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Implantable permanent pacemaker function is supported by their energy sources for a mean period of 8.8-12.4 years. We previously published this case of a patient with a normally functioning VVI pacemaker, 31 years after implantation. METHODS AND RESULTS: In this report, we state that the device is still functioning normally 40 years after implantation. The most recent device interrogation revealed pacing threshold of 0.9 V/0.5 ms. Holter monitoring for 24 hours recorded a total of 98.707 beats with 97.78% paced beats, without any indication of pacemaker malfunction and with stable heart rate at 70-71 bpm. CONCLUSION: Most patients with implantable devices have the appropriate follow-up and settings of low energy consumption. Manufacturing companies should focus on prolonging device longevity, to produce future devices with higher energy capacity.