Cremation with a pacemaker means arranging a cremation for someone who had an implanted cardiac device. Cremation is safe, but pacemakers and other battery‑powered implants cannot enter the chamber because intense heat can make them explode, endangering staff and equipment. So the device is removed beforehand by trained professionals, gently and respectfully, as part of routine preparation.
This UK guide explains what happens in practice: whether cremation is possible, why removal is required, which implants must come out, who removes the device and where, how the procedure works (including ICDs and leadless pacemakers), what happens to the device afterwards, the forms and permissions involved, typical costs, and the step‑by‑step for a direct cremation. Can you be cremated with a pacemaker?
Can you be cremated with a pacemaker?
Yes—cremation is possible, but only after the pacemaker is removed. UK crematoria will not allow battery‑powered implants in the chamber because extreme heat (cremators can reach around 1,000°C) can make them explode, risking injury and damage. Removal is routine and arranged by the funeral director or a trained mortuary professional, carried out gently and in line with the family’s instructions. If burial is chosen instead of cremation, pacemakers are generally not removed, and similar rules apply to other cardiac devices.
Why pacemakers must be removed before cremation
Pacemakers contain batteries and sealed components that become volatile at cremation temperatures (around 1,000°C). Under heat and pressure they can explode, putting crematorium staff at risk and damaging the cremator. A UK study reported that about half of crematoria had experienced pacemaker explosions, with structural damage and injuries recorded. Removing the device before cremation protects people, equipment and the dignity of the person who has died, and it’s required by crematorium policy and UK application procedures that flag implants as a safety concern in advance.
- Explosion risk: Batteries and gases can rupture under extreme heat.
- Safety and damage: Risk of injury and costly damage to the cremator.
- Compliance: Crematoria require removal before proceeding with cremation.
Which medical implants must be removed before cremation
Crematoria require the removal of any implant that could explode, leak or interfere with the process. In practice, anything with a battery, a pressurised chamber or a radiation source must be taken out before cremation for safety and compliance.
- Pacemakers, ICDs and CRT‑Ds
- Implantable loop recorders
- Ventricular assist devices (LVAD/RVAD/BiVAD)
- Implantable drug pumps (including intrathecal)
- Radioactive implants (brachytherapy)
- Implantable stimulators for pain or bone growth
- Programmable shunts or Fixion nails
Who removes the pacemaker and where it happens
In the UK, removal is arranged by your funeral director and carried out by a trained mortician/undertaker or mortuary technician. Hospitals don’t usually remove devices after death, so the funeral team takes responsibility. Before proceeding, crematoria commonly require written confirmation that the pacemaker has been removed by a suitably trained professional, which your funeral director provides. You don’t need a doctor to attend.
- Where it happens:
- Professional mortuary at the funeral home
- Hospital mortuary (morgue), if agreed
- At the crematorium, immediately before the cremation, by authorised staff
How pacemaker removal is carried out
Pacemaker removal before cremation is a brief, respectful procedure carried out by a trained mortician or undertaker. The device sits just under the skin, so access is straightforward. Hospitals don’t usually do this after death; your funeral director arranges it, and the incision is closed neatly with a few stitches.
- Confirm and document: The funeral team confirms a pacemaker is present and notes it on the cremation paperwork.
- Make a small incision: A short cut is made over the device pocket.
- Release and remove: The securing sutures are cut and the pacemaker is gently removed.
- Close and prepare: The incision is closed with a few small stitches and the person is prepared with care.
- Handle the device: The pacemaker is logged and set aside for safe disposal, recycling or donation as instructed.
Your funeral director will provide written confirmation to the crematorium that removal has been completed by a trained professional.
Special cases: ICDs, leadless pacemakers and other complex devices
Some implants need extra thought before a cremation can go ahead. While a standard pacemaker sits under the skin and is easily removed, other devices are larger, have powerful capacitors, or are fixed deeper in the body. Tell your funeral director about any implant as early as possible so the right team and permissions are in place.
- ICDs and CRT‑Ds: Bigger batteries and capacitors mean a higher explosion risk. The chest “box” is removed by a trained professional before cremation.
- Leadless pacemakers: Implanted inside the heart, not the chest wall. Removal isn’t a simple incision and may require specialist cardiology input; cremation cannot proceed until the device is explanted.
- VADs and drug pumps: Complex, often require hospital mortuary involvement and careful planning with the crematorium.
What happens to the pacemaker after removal (recycling, donation and disposal)
After removal in a cremation with a pacemaker, the device is logged and handled safely. Typically, your funeral director or the crematorium returns it to the manufacturer for recycling or proper disposal. If you prefer, you can ask for the pacemaker to be donated; suitable devices are refurbished by specialist charities before any re‑use, as they can’t be used immediately due to contamination risks. You may also ask to keep the device; otherwise, the team will take care of it for you as part of the standard arrangements.
UK rules, forms and permissions you’ll need
In the UK, a cremation with a pacemaker is only allowed once the implant is declared on the cremation application and permission is given for its removal. Government guidance flags pacemakers and similar implants as safety risks, and many crematoria require written confirmation that removal was carried out by a trained professional before they will proceed.
- Cremation application: Declare any implants (e.g., pacemakers, ICDs, loop recorders, drug pumps) and authorise removal for safety compliance.
- Written confirmation: The crematorium will ask for proof the device was removed by a suitably trained person.
- Who can authorise: The cremation applicant (often the executor or nearest relative) provides consent on the forms.
- If a coroner is involved: Cremation can only proceed after the coroner’s authorisation; your funeral director will advise on timing.
- Flag complex/radioactive devices early: Early disclosure allows the funeral director and crematorium to plan any special handling needed.
Costs: typical fees and factors that influence them
With a direct cremation, you’ll pay a simple base price and then any extras that apply to your situation. For a cremation with a pacemaker, removal is often an additional, clearly itemised fee. The total can vary with the device type and the logistics involved, and your funeral director will confirm costs upfront before any work is done.
- Pacemaker removal fee: Standard subcutaneous device removal is commonly charged as an extra.
- Complex implants: ICDs/CRT‑Ds, leadless pacemakers, VADs and drug pumps may need specialist involvement, increasing cost.
- Urgent/out‑of‑hours collection: Home or care‑setting collections at short notice can add to the price.
- Coffin size and care needs: Larger coffins or additional preparation may carry surcharges.
- Ashes options: Personal delivery/courier usually costs more; scattering in a garden of remembrance is often included.
- Urns and keepsakes: Designer urns and memorial items are optional extras.
The step-by-step process with a direct cremation
With a direct cremation, your funeral director coordinates everything quietly and efficiently. For a cremation with a pacemaker, the process is straightforward, with safety checks built in so the crematorium can proceed without delay.
- Call us 24/7: Immediate guidance and a clear, itemised quote.
- Collection and care: We bring your loved one into our professional mortuary from hospital, home or care setting.
- Paperwork and permissions: We complete the cremation application, declare any implant and obtain consent for removal; we liaise with the coroner if required.
- Confirm the device: We verify the pacemaker/implant details and schedule a trained mortuary professional.
- Remove the pacemaker: A respectful, minor procedure; the person is then prepared with care.
- Provide written confirmation: We supply proof of removal to the crematorium and book the unattended cremation.
- Cremation takes place: At a trusted crematorium, without a service.
- Ashes and aftercare: Ashes are either scattered in a garden of remembrance or personally delivered to you, with updates throughout.
Note: Complex devices (e.g., ICDs, leadless pacemakers) can add planning time; we’ll advise you upfront.
Planning ahead if you have a pacemaker and want cremation
A little planning removes stress and cost for loved ones. If you want cremation with a pacemaker, make your wishes clear and make sure someone you trust can authorise device removal on the cremation forms. Tell family and your chosen funeral director early—especially if you have an ICD, leadless pacemaker or another complex implant that may need extra arrangements before the cremation can proceed.
- Record your wishes: Put “cremation” in your will or a letter of wishes and share copies.
- Nominate an applicant: Tell your executor/nearest relative about the implant; they’ll declare it and consent to removal on the forms.
- Note device details: Share what you have (e.g., pacemaker, ICD, leadless) to help planning.
- State what to do with the device: Recycling, donation or return to the family.
- Get an itemised quote: Ask for the pacemaker removal fee to be listed with a direct cremation plan.
- Keep documents together: Store wishes and device notes with your important paperwork so they’re easy to find.
Frequently asked questions about cremation and pacemakers
Families often have the same practical questions when arranging a cremation with a pacemaker. Here are concise answers so you can make decisions quickly and confidently, with safety and UK crematorium rules front of mind.
- Can you be cremated with a pacemaker? Yes—but only after the device is removed; switching it off isn’t enough.
- Why must it be removed? Extreme heat (around 1,000°C) can cause batteries to explode, with documented damage and injuries.
- Who removes it, and where? A trained mortuary professional at a funeral home, hospital mortuary, or the crematorium.
- What about ICDs and leadless pacemakers? ICD/CRT‑D boxes are removed; leadless pacemakers require specialist explant before cremation.
- Can the device be recycled or donated? Yes—typically returned to the manufacturer or refurbished via specialist charities.
- Is removal needed for burial? Generally, no—pacemakers are usually left in place for burials.
Key takeaways
Cremation is safe and straightforward for someone with a pacemaker—as long as the device (and any similar implant) is removed first by trained professionals and confirmed on the cremation paperwork. That single step protects people, equipment and dignity.
- Removal is mandatory: Any battery‑powered, pressurised or radioactive implant must come out.
- Done by trained staff: A mortuary professional removes it; crematoria require written confirmation.
- Complex devices vary: ICDs/CRT‑Ds are removed; leadless pacemakers need specialist explant.
- After removal: Devices are recycled, donated, disposed of, or returned on request.
For clear guidance and an itemised quote, speak to the team at Go Direct Cremations.