Abstract P201: Patient Demographics, Complications, and Hospital Utilization of Pacemaker Implantation in the Extreme Elderly

Abstract

Introduction: There are scant data for pacemaker implant complications and readmission rates in the extreme elderly (age≥80 years) despite their common use in this population. Methods: This is a retrospective chart review of 149 consecutive patients (age≥80 years) who underwent pacemaker implantation at a community hospital Electrophysiology program from July 2008 through June 2010. Single-, dual-, and biventricular-chamber pacemakers and generator changes were included for analysis; cardioverter-defibrillator devices, temporary pacemakers, and loop recorders were excluded. Standard procedures for implantation were used. Major complications defined as death, cardiac arrest, cardiac perforation, cardiac valve injury, coronary venous dissection, hemothorax, pneumothorax, transient ischemic attack, stroke, myocardial infarction, pericardial tamponade, and arterial-venous fistula. Minor complications defined as drug reaction, conduction block, hematoma or lead dislodgement requiring reoperation, peripheral embolus, phlebitis, peripheral nerve injury, and device-related infection. Results: The baseline demographics, complication rates, and hospital utilization are shown in the Table below. There were no intraprocedural complications. There was one major in-hospital (0.7%) and one minor in-hospital complication (0.7%). Within 30 days of implant, there were 2 minor (1.3%) and 4 major (2.7%) complications. Eight of 149 patients (5.4%) were readmitted within 30days of implantation. Conclusions: This report of pacemaker implantations in the extreme elderly reveals rates of complications comparable to data from younger patient populations.