Meet the smallest pacemaker in the world. It’s tiny – smaller than a grain of rice. This miniature device is a game-changer for babies and kids with heart problems. It dissolves when it’s no longer needed, making it a safer alternative to traditional pacemakers.
The creator, John Rogers, is a bioengineering expert. He tested the pacemaker on animals and human heart tissue. The results were impressive. This tiny device can be implanted using a syringe, making it a minimally invasive procedure.
The pacemaker is only 1.8 x 3.5 x 1 millimeters in size. It can change shape and composition to control how long it stays in the body. Although it’s still experimental, it could be a lifesaver for patients with slow heart rates.
A New Hope for Kids with Heart Conditions
Children are at a higher risk during surgeries due to their small size and growing bodies. This pacemaker reduces the risk of complications and allows the heart to heal on its own within 7 days. The best part? It doesn’t need to be removed, eliminating the risk of further surgery.
Approximately 1% of newborns have congenital heart defects and need a temporary pacemaker. Rogers’ invention is a breakthrough in pediatric cardiology. The miniaturized size and easy implantation make it an ideal solution for young patients.
Traditional temporary pacemakers have cables that come out of the chest and connect to an external unit. When these cables are removed, they can cause damage to the heart muscle. The new pacemaker eliminates this risk.
A Collaboration that’s Changing Lives
The pacemaker is the result of a collaboration between Rogers and Igor Efimov from Northwestern University. Efimov recalls the tragic case of Neil Armstrong, who died due to complications from a temporary pacemaker. This new device is a major step forward in medical technology.
The micro pacemaker is self-sustaining, generating its own electricity when it comes into contact with bodily fluids. It works wirelessly with a skin-interface unit that monitors the heart’s activity. This means no external batteries or cables are needed.
ATiny but Mighty Device
The pacemaker’s small size allows for multiple devices to be implanted in the heart, enabling more precise synchronization and better arrhythmia treatment. It can also be combined with other medical implants, such as transcateter aortic valve replacement systems.
This innovation is a significant step forward in clinical medicine, particularly in the field of bioelectronic medicine. Researchers are exploring its potential applications in cardiology, surgery, and neural and muscle stimulation. The possibilities are endless, from helping to heal damaged nerves and bones to treating wounds and managing pain.