My Heart Your Heart: Explanting Pacemakers to Reuse Abroad

Charitable organizations have been working for years to support the harvesting of pacemakers for implantation in individuals worldwide, for whom these lifesaving and life-prolonging devices otherwise might not be available. It is a practice that is not currently allowed for reuse within the United States, on the grounds that it has not been proven safe and effective. A team of investigators at the University of Michigan, as part of the Project My Heart Your Heart initiative, is hoping to change this perception and increase awareness for donations overseas. It's an endeavor that has generated enthusiasm among patients and families, as well as the funeral directors who would help facilitate this process. One of the researchers, Dr. Timir Baman, a fellow in cardiac electrophysiology at the University of Michigan Hospitals and co-founder of this initiative, joins host Dr. Janet Wright for a fascinating conversation.