The Tiny Pacemaker That Could Transform Heart Care is no longer a futuristic dream—it’s a reality, thanks to pioneering researchers at Northwestern University in the United States. This rice-sized device, created for patients who require only temporary heart pacing, could revolutionise post-operative care and open new frontiers in bioresorbable medical technology.

A gentler, smarter approach to temporary pacing

Traditional temporary pacemakers are wired to the heart and connect to an external device, a setup that carries infection and scarring risks. The new dissolvable pacemaker changes the equation entirely. Wireless, biocompatible, and powered by the body’s own biofluids, the device supports recovery without the need for surgical removal.

A wearable that communicates with the heart

Working in tandem with this micro-device is a soft, wireless chest patch. When it detects an irregular rhythm, it emits an infrared light pulse through the skin—activating the pacemaker in real time. This light-based system replaces conventional antennas and makes the device small enough for the most fragile patients, including newborns.

Powered by the body, not batteries

Using galvanic cell technology, the pacemaker converts biofluids into energy. Two electrodes generate current, which is controlled by the wearable’s infrared signals. The system avoids the need for bulky batteries and external connections, making it minimally invasive.

Designed with infants in mind

Around 1% of babies are born with congenital heart defects, many of whom require temporary pacing after surgery. This new device dissolves after seven days, removing the need for additional procedures and lowering risks during a critical recovery window.

Dr Igor Efimov, co-lead of the research, noted:

“These children only need temporary pacing after surgery… But those seven days are absolutely critical.”

Beyond the heart: broader applications

The creators envision wider applications for this technology—from nerve regeneration and pain relief to wound healing. Professor John A. Rogers highlighted its adaptability, noting the pacemaker’s potential integration with implants such as transcatheter aortic valve replacements.

To read the full research paper in Nature, visit:
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-024-07060-y

Looking ahead

This device is part of an exciting wave of bioresorbable electronics—smart implants that safely dissolve once their work is done. Although still in preclinical stages, The Tiny Pacemaker That Could Transform Heart Care offers a powerful glimpse into the future of medical implants: safer, smarter, and temporary.

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Image credit: John A. Rogers/Northwestern University

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