Pacemaker implantation and mortality: no role as a quality control indicator

I read with interest the article ‘Is mortality a useful parameter for public reporting in pacemaker implantation? Results of an obligatory external quality control programme’ by Nowaket al.1 Cardiac implantable electronic device therapy complication outcome data are an important quality of care indicator for patients and health care systems. Acknowledging complication rates not only improves patient care but in reducing complications cost savings ensue. Death is an important objective outcome frequently included in major adverse cardiovascular event reporting of Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PPCI), percutaneous valve intervention, and surgical cardiac procedures, in which death is not an infrequent event. However, in bradyarrhythmia and complex device surgery, death is a rare occurrence.

Source: Europace - July 25, 2017 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research