Pacemaker Breakthrough: Injectable, Wireless & Dissolvable | Technology Networks
A revolutionary dissolvable pacemaker, smaller than a grain of rice, is set to transform heart treatment, particularly for newborns and patients with heart defects. This groundbreaking device, powered by light, eliminates the need for invasive procedures and could be a game-changer in cardiac care.
A Lifesaving Innovation for Infants and Adults
Heart defects affect about 1% of newborns annually, and many cases require only temporary intervention. However, in low-resource regions, access to advanced medical care is limited, often turning a simple procedure into a life-threatening situation.
For adults, traditional temporary pacemakers involve invasive surgeries where electrodes are sewn onto the heart and connected to an external pacing box. This method poses several risks, including:
- Infection
- Tissue damage
- Dislodgment
- Blood clots
This new miniature pacemaker, developed by Northwestern University researchers and detailed in Nature on April 2, offers a safer and less invasive alternative.
How the World’s Smallest Pacemaker Works
The innovation builds upon a 2021 prototype that was already wireless and biodegradable. The latest version replaces the radio antenna with a light-based transmission system and features a galvanic cell battery that generates electrical energy from biofluids.
Here’s how it functions:
- A wearable device detects an irregular heartbeat.
- It emits infrared light, which penetrates the skin and activates the pacemaker.
- The pacemaker delivers controlled electrical stimulation to regulate the heart.
This novel approach allows the device to be ultra-small—just 1.8 mm wide and 3.5 mm long—while still delivering the same electrical stimulation as a standard pacemaker.
A Safer Alternative with No Need for Removal
Unlike conventional pacemakers, this bioresorbable device dissolves naturally over time, eliminating the need for follow-up surgery. This reduces post-operative complications and trauma, making it a safer option for patients of all ages.
Experimental cardiologist Igor Efimov, a co-lead researcher, highlighted its significance:
“Infrared light penetrates very well through the body. Our bodies are great conductors of light.”
Future Potential: Beyond Pacemakers
The possibilities for this technology extend far beyond pacemakers. Researchers believe multiple devices could be deployed across the heart to provide more advanced synchronization therapies for arrhythmias.
Additionally, the technology could be integrated into other implantable medical devices, including:
- Heart valve replacements
- Pain management implants
- Nerve and bone restoration devices
According to bioelectronics pioneer John Rogers, the goal is to create solutions that are effective, minimally invasive, and adaptable to multiple medical applications.
A Vision for the Future
The team’s ultimate motivation remains focused on children with heart defects.
“Now, we can place this tiny pacemaker on a child’s heart and stimulate it with a soft, gentle, wearable device,” said Efimov.
As medical technology advances, this tiny pacemaker could redefine cardiac care, improving outcomes for infants and adults worldwide.
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