Why do over 100,000 UK patients need checks for their pacemakers?

Over 100,000 UK patients need checks because their Boston Scientific 'Accolade' pacemakers have a battery flaw that can cause premature failure.

What is the main risk associated with the faulty Accolade pacemakers?

The main risk is that the faulty pacemakers may prematurely switch into a limited safety mode, which can be life-threatening for dependent patients.

Will all patients need surgery to replace their faulty pacemaker?

No, while some patients have already undergone early replacement surgery, software updates are intended to prevent the need for operations for most affected individuals.

Home / Health / UK Pacemaker Alert: Battery Flaw Sparks Replacement Fears

UK Pacemaker Alert: Battery Flaw Sparks Replacement Fears

27 Feb

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Summary

Over 100,000 UK pacemakers require checks due to premature battery failure.
A battery flaw can cause devices to switch to a potentially fatal safety mode.
Software updates aim to prevent early replacements for most affected patients.

UK Pacemaker Alert: Battery Flaw Sparks Replacement Fears

A significant safety alert has been issued for over 100,000 patients in the UK implanted with Boston Scientific 'Accolade' pacemakers. Approximately 13% of these devices, manufactured before September 2018, exhibit a battery flaw that can lead to premature failure. This issue increases the risk of the pacemaker suddenly switching to a limited safety mode, which poses a serious danger to patients fully dependent on the device for heart rhythm regulation.

This battery defect means the devices may enter safety mode after six years, significantly earlier than their expected 10-year lifespan. While Boston Scientific released a software update in autumn 2025 to address the problem, it requires in-person installation. Hospitals are actively contacting the nearly 111,500 affected patients across the UK. Although the software update is expected to avoid surgery for most, some patients have already undergone early replacement surgeries due to the malfunction.

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