Arrhythmias & electrophysiologyResearch article
Reprocessing of single-use medical devices in cardiology: a systematic literature review of safety and performance characteristics applied to cardiac electrophysiology
- Systematic literature review
- PRISMA
Authors' conclusion
The absence of adverse events and reliable performance associated with reprocessed EP catheters reported in this study may encourage European countries that have not yet authorized single-use medical device reprocessing to consider its adoption.
Study context
- Population
- In vitro and in vivo studies of reprocessed cardiac electrophysiology (EP) catheters12 studies (4 in vivo, 8 in vitro)
- Participants
- >1,200 participants
- Comparison
- Reprocessed single-use EP catheters vs new devices
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
Safety and mechanical performance
- Under stringent reprocessing protocols, reprocessed EP catheters showed comparable safety and mechanical performance to new devices
Further findings
Evidence gaps
- Gaps remain on prion and fungal contamination, maximum number of safe reprocessing cycles, and detection of rare complications
Original publication
Reprocessing of single-use medical devices in cardiology: a systematic literature review of safety and performance characteristics applied to cardiac electrophysiology. Europace. Published 28 January 2026. doi:10.1093/europace/euaf316
Summarised from the published abstract; every number is checked against it