**Tiny Pacemaker Dissolves Inside Body for Safer Heart Care**
A groundbreaking tiny pacemaker that self-destructs inside the body provides a safer alternative for heart care without the need for wires or surgery. Developed by engineers at Northwestern University and credited to John A. Rogers, this innovative device offers a new approach to supporting the heart’s rhythm during critical recovery periods.
Traditionally, temporary pacemakers have been used to stabilize the heart post-surgery, but they often involve invasive procedures, risks of complications, and the inconvenience of wires and bulky hardware. In contrast, the new technology is as small as a grain of rice and can be injected directly into the body. Once it is no longer needed, the device naturally dissolves in the body’s fluids without requiring additional surgical intervention.
Ideal for infants born with congenital heart defects, this technology can be a game-changer for those who require temporary pacing support. The tiny pacemaker, measuring just 1.8mm by 3.5mm by 1mm, is placed on the heart’s surface and activated by a wireless wearable device that monitors heart activity and delivers gentle stimulation when needed.
Unlike traditional temporary pacemakers that involve external wires and power sources, the new device is self-contained and wirelessly powered. It utilizes a unique battery system that is activated by biofluids, eliminating the need for external power sources and the risks associated with wire removal procedures.
By integrating light-sensitive technology, the device can be controlled remotely with an infrared light source, providing precise and non-invasive pacing support. This innovative approach marks a significant advancement in heart care technology and has the potential to improve outcomes for patients in need of cardiac support.
By utilizing light-based control, the device was significantly reduced in size to create a self-powered, light-regulated, fully bioresorbable pacemaker. Despite its compact dimensions, it is capable of delivering the same level of stimulation as a standard full-size device. The pacemaker has undergone successful testing in various animal and human hearts, demonstrating consistent performance in both single and multi-chamber pacing scenarios.
The design of these injectable, self-powered, bioresorbable cardiac pacemakers with wireless, optoelectronic control is detailed in a publication by Nature. These miniature pacemakers can be strategically placed across different areas of the heart, each responding to a distinct color or wavelength of light. This allows for precise synchronization or independent pacing of various heart regions, providing a level of control that traditional devices cannot match.
In experiments involving hound dogs, researchers implanted multiple pacemakers and controlled them individually using light pulses. This allowed them to adjust the contraction of different heart chambers to mimic a natural heartbeat rhythm. The ability to finely tune heart rhythms in such sophisticated ways offers more control than a single pacemaker ever could.
Furthermore, these tiny pacemakers can be integrated into other implantable devices such as valve replacements to address atrioventricular blocks that may occur post-heart valve surgeries. These embedded pacemakers can automatically restore communication between heart chambers, potentially reducing the need for additional surgical interventions.
One of the most remarkable features of this pacemaker is its ability to dissolve within the body without the need for a separate removal procedure. Constructed from biocompatible materials that dissolve naturally within nine to twelve months, the device poses no harm to the body and eliminates the need for long-term implant maintenance.
This latest iteration of the pacemaker represents a significant advancement over previous models by utilizing light-based control instead of radio signals, resulting in a substantial size reduction. Its adaptability extends beyond temporary cardiac pacing, with potential applications in various electrotherapy treatments. Researchers envision its use in regenerating damaged nerves or bones, managing chronic wounds, and pain relief without the use of medication, showcasing the versatile and innovative nature of this technology.
Article Summary: The heart relies on precise electrical signals for proper function, and when these signals fail, pacing becomes crucial. A new light-controlled, body-powered device offers a safer alternative to traditional pacemakers, particularly for vulnerable populations. This breakthrough meets the need for a fully implantable, wirelessly controlled temporary pacemaker that dissolves inside the body when no longer needed. Published in the journal Nature, this innovative technology marks a significant advancement in bioelectronics. (Credit: Nature)
