Pacemaker implantation complication rates in elderly and young patients

To evaluate the complication rate differences between elderly and younger patients who receive a permanent pacemaker implantation. We reviewed all cases admitted to our institution between January 2008 and June 2009 with symptomatic bradyarrhythmia for whom a permanent pacemaker was implanted. Beginning in June 2009, we prospectively collected data from all patients with the same diagnosis and procedure. The frequency of complications due to the pacemaker implantation procedure was evaluated and compared between young (