What does 'end of service' mean in the context of pacemakers?

'End of service' in the context of pacemakers refers specifically to a situation where the device has reached the end of its operational lifespan, often signifying that the battery is low and cannot adequately support the device’s function. In many cases, this designation occurs approximately three months after the remote monitoring feature detects a significant decline in battery life, hence the term "RRT" or "Remote Readout Technology" being used.

It’s important for healthcare providers to recognize that at this stage, while the device may still be functioning, it is approaching a critical point where intervention is needed—often indicating that the time to replace or upgrade the device is nearing. Monitoring data beyond this point becomes essential as the risk of device failure increases, prompting timely action to ensure patient safety and continued effectiveness of therapy.