Revolutionary Rice-Sized Pacemaker: No Surgery, No Wires, Just Healing #health #heart #innovation

Imagine a pacemaker so tiny it can be injected with a syringe, eliminating the need for invasive surgery. Northwestern University engineers have unveiled the world’s smallest pacemaker, measuring just 1.8mm by 3.5mm—smaller than a grain of rice.

This groundbreaking device is designed for temporary cardiac pacing, particularly benefiting newborns with congenital heart defects. Traditional pacemakers require surgical implantation and removal, posing significant risks, especially for infants. In contrast, this dissolvable pacemaker naturally absorbs into the body after its job is done, eliminating the need for extraction.

Paired with a soft, flexible, wireless wearable patch worn on the chest, the system monitors heart rhythms and emits infrared light pulses to activate the pacemaker when irregularities are detected. The infrared light penetrates safely into the body, triggering the device to deliver electrical pulses that regulate the heartbeat.

Remarkably, this pacemaker operates without a battery. It functions as a galvanic cell, generating electrical energy through a chemical reaction between two metal electrodes and the body’s biofluids acting as an electrolyte. This innovation not only reduces the device’s size but also enhances its biocompatibility.

The development was led by bioelectronics pioneer John A. Rogers and experimental cardiologist Igor Efimov. Their collaborative efforts aim to address the critical need for safe, temporary pacing in pediatric patients following heart surgery. Beyond neonatal care, this technology holds promise for treating various heart rhythm disorders, accelerating nerve and bone healing, and managing pain.

Published in the journal Nature, this study marks a significant advancement in medical technology, potentially transforming cardiac care and offering new hope for patients worldwide.

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