Implantation of salvaged pacemakers saves lives in Sancti Spíritus (+Photos)

Thanks to an increase in pacemaker implantation surgeries—most involving reused devices—72 patients have saved their lives this year at the Camilo Cienfuegos Provincial General Hospital in Sancti Spíritus; an achievement recognized by the Cardiology Network of central Cuba.

According to Dr. Alberto Batista Lorenzo, head of the hospital’s Cardiology Department, 58 of the implanted devices were recovered units. This practice—primarily adopted by developing nations—serves as an effective alternative amidst the shortage of cardiac pacemakers caused by restrictions imposed by the United States blockade against Cuba.