We are presently using the APC Medical Model: 4170 Pacemaker. Just received a notification dated the 1st September 2011 from the USA parent company giving a recommendation that these devices should be replaced every ten years.
One of my staff contacted APC Medical UK for spare parts and was asked the age of the device. On stating the age to be eleven years a response of it should not be repaired but replaced was given.
I have contacted the MHRA on this at least to state that we all need to be notified of this 'recommendation' and make the appropriate decision around it. This will vary between one Trust and another no doubt.
Do you guys know of any other external temporary pacemaker devices on the market which may be similar to the Model: 4170? Remembering of course the need for comprehensive service documentation and access to all spare parts (PPQ question 5 - all six parts)
Thanks
Jim
