Engineers from Northwestern University in the US have invented an exceptionally tiny pacemaker that can be injected non-invasively into the body, measuring just 1.8mm by 3.5mm by 1mm—smaller than any known pacemaker. Led by bioelectronics expert John A. Rogers, this ground-breaking device is designed to be biocompatible and eventually dissolve within the body, allowing for less invasive implantation methods that mitigate the risk associated with surgical procedures.
The pacemaker works wirelessly, paired with a small, flexible device worn on the patient’s chest, which controls its pacing. This wearable component detects irregular heartbeats and sends light pulses through the skin and muscles to activate the pacemaker, making it a convenient and safe solution for patients needing temporary pacing.
This innovative device represents a particularly significant advance for vulnerable populations, such as newborns with congenital heart defects. Co-lead researcher Igor Efimov highlighted that about 1% of children are born with these conditions, necessitating temporary pacing after surgery. Fortunately, most infants’ hearts can self-repair within approximately seven days, making efficient pacing during this critical period essential.
The research team believes their pacemaker could provide a safer alternative to traditional devices, particularly for patients with bradycardia, where a resting heart rate falls below 60 beats per minute. Moreover, the technology’s versatility may extend beyond cardiac applications, potentially aiding in nerve and bone healing and managing pain through bioelectronic therapies.
As this tiny pacemaker paves the way for less invasive medical innovations, it showcases a promising future in the field of bioelectronics, offering hope to those with heart conditions.