Old ICD

Dear Members

i just changed my ICD and i would like to know if the old one can be re used by any one or donated to any Charity?

the old ICD: Medtronic
Planted date: 15 June 2008
Changed on : 16 Apr 2013
Battery: it has 2.6 left


6 Comments

vets

by Tracey_E - 2013-04-20 09:04:29

dogs, mostly

One use only

by ebfox - 2013-04-20 10:04:06

In the US, it is an FDA rule of one use only. I asked the same question when mine was removed-

not on humans

by Tracey_E - 2013-04-20 11:04:21

If one is taken out that still has battery life, vets can sometimes use them. There are organizations that match them up with vets that need them.

souvenir

by bakkuri - 2013-04-21 03:04:41

Thanks all , i guess then i will keep it as a souvenir

souvenirs

by Tracey_E - 2013-04-21 05:04:11

I have my first one, it's in a box on the bookshelf. I'm on #4, didn't ask fast enough for the other two, darnit. A few years ago, another member from here (Loopy Lou) was in my area on vacation and we met up. Our families totally clicked- Loopy and I were like long lost sisters with twin heart conditions, our kids acted like they'd known each other forever, our husbands were at the dinner table quoting the same movies... lots of fun. So, anyway, after many hours of laughter and more than a few cocktails, pm's came up. I knew Loopy's kids were nervous about the whole thing (hers was new) while my kids were school aged before they found out all mommies don't have them (I got mine before they were born). The kids were asking questions so I figured what the heck, I'll get the old one out. Yes, it was passed around the dinner table. The kids thought it was cool. The husbands rolled their eyes. Keep it, you never know when it will be a conversation piece :o)

ICD post usage

by mrag - 2013-04-22 03:04:31

I believe the University of Michigan was pushing a program to reuse ICDs (and pacemakers) in third world countries. I can't find the link now, but you can pursue more info via:
http://www.theheart.org/article/1078651.do

It is not easy. The device manufacturers are against (used) donations, new leads are necessary and generally battery life has to be ABOVE 70% remaining. I do not know details, but would expect used ICDs to be popular at animal research facilities.

Just found a better link to follow up on:
http://www.theheart.org/article/995109.do

If you do keep yours as a souvenir, please make certain you have it deactivated first. If not, you may be shocked to learn why you should have.

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