The problem with reusable pacing wires is that they increase the risk of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). One of the top 10 leading causes of death in the United States, HAIs impact 1 out of 20 hospitalized patients, increasing care costs and risking patients’ lives.
Reusable pacing cables come in direct contact with the patient’s skin and are often near incision sites, making them a potential source of cross-contamination. Studies show that 77% of reusable, “clean” pacing wires are contaminated with one or more antibiotic-resistant nosocomial pathogens.
By using reusable pacing wires, you increase the risk of your patients contracting an HAI, which impacts patient safety and your hospital’s bottom line. The best way to eliminate cross-contamination between patients and prevent HAIs is to use disposable cardiac pacing cables.