Reuse of pacing catheters: a survey of safety and efficacy.

We surveyed 12 medical centers with regard to the reuse of pacing catheters during electrophysiologic studies. The prevalence of superficial skin infections or bacteremia related to EP studies was extremely low, and was not significantly different in the catheter reuse group compared to the single use group. We conclude that catheter resterilization and reuse is safe and cost-effective.