Donation of explanted pacemakers for reuse in underserved nations.

Some charitable organizations and physicians are willing to assist in the compassionate donation of explanted pacemakers for reuse in medically underserved nations. However, healthcare organizations must recognize that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), device manufacturers, professional societies and many physicians advocate return of explanted pacemakers to the manufacturer to ensure an accurate performance database promoting improved device reliability and safety for the patient.