Cremation of Leadless Pacemaker

Pacing Clin Electrophysiol. 2017 Jun;40(6):629-631. doi: 10.1111/pace.13074. Epub 2017 May 16.

Abstract

Cremation of implanted cardiac electronic devices can be associated with explosion from rapid gas formation causing potential hazard to the crematoria staffs and facilities. We present four patients who had undergone cremation with a leadless pacemaker (MicraTM , Medtronic Inc., Minneapolis, MN, USA) left inside their bodies. There was neither reported explosion nor damage to the cremation chamber during the cremation process. In this small series, cremation of MicraTM is not associated with noticeable explosion.

Keywords: cremation; leadless pacemaker.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Cremation*
  • Device Removal*
  • Explosions / prevention & control*
  • Female
  • Foreign Bodies / etiology*
  • Hong Kong
  • Humans
  • Mortuary Practice
  • Pacemaker, Artificial / adverse effects*
  • Prostheses and Implants*