If a pacemaker battery needs to be replaced and the patient does not want to go through that procedure because of their age, what risk is there in a leaving a nonfunctioning pacemaker in the person? This pacemaker has not been needed since it was activated. (7 years)
Hi, Having a pacemaker with discharged battery is like not having the pacemaker. I hope it was put as he must be having low heart rate with symptoms like syncope or giddiness.  Complications of not getting the battery changed are the same which is persistent giddiness or loss of consciousness when heart rate becomes very low. The pacemaker interrogation will tell whether he needed the pacemaker in all this time. If no, I hope he will do fine without the pacemaker too. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Take care Chat Doctor.