Scientists at Northwestern University have created an incredibly compact pacemaker — smaller than a grain of rice — that can be injected into the body using a syringe. Measuring just 1.8 mm wide, 3.5 mm long, and 1 mm thick, the revolutionary device delivers the same level of heart stimulation as conventional pacemakers.
Although it works with hearts of all sizes, researchers say it’s ideally suited for newborns suffering from congenital heart conditions. According to lead developer John A. Rogers, miniaturization is crucial in pediatric cases, where the heart is delicate and any added weight can be burdensome. “In temporary cardiac treatments for children, every millimeter counts,” he said.
Traditional temporary pacemakers involve surgically implanting wires and external power sources. Removing these can sometimes harm sensitive tissues. In contrast, this wireless pacemaker dissolves naturally after serving its purpose, removing the need for extraction.
Powering the device is a galvanic cell, which transforms the body’s biofluids into energy. This simple battery setup initiates chemical reactions that generate electric pulses, keeping the heart beating steadily.
A wearable soft patch placed on the chest monitors heart activity. If the heart rate dips, the patch activates an infrared light-emitting diode (LED), which safely sends light through tissue to trigger the pacemaker.
Cardiologist Igor Efimov emphasized the motivation behind the project: “Roughly 1% of babies are born with heart defects, most requiring only temporary pacing post-surgery. This device offers support during that critical healing window — without needing a second operation.”
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