Revolution in Medicine: The World’s Smallest Pacemaker, Smaller Than a Grain of Rice, Has Been Developed
This temporary pacemaker, designed to regulate heart rhythm, is smaller than a grain of rice. It can be injected using a syringe, is controlled by light, and naturally dissolves in the body after completing its function. Researchers have described this innovation as a “transformative breakthrough” in medicine, with the potential to open new pathways for broader advancements in the life sciences.
Today, millions of people worldwide rely on permanent pacemakers that maintain regular heart rhythms by delivering electrical pulses. However, an international research team led by American scientists explains that the goal of developing this temporary version is to support approximately one percent of infants born with congenital heart defects who require pacing support during the first week following cardiac surgery.
This device may also be used for adult patients who need temporary heart rhythm stabilization during recovery after heart surgery.
End of Invasive Procedures for Temporary Pacemakers?
Currently, temporary pacemakers require invasive surgery in which electrode wires are sutured directly onto the heart muscle and connected to an external pacing device. Removal of these wires after recovery can sometimes result in serious complications.
For example, Neil Armstrong, the first human to walk on the Moon, died in 2012 due to internal bleeding caused by the removal of a temporary pacemaker.
The newly developed pacemaker is completely wireless and measures approximately 1 millimeter in thickness and 3.5 millimeters in length, allowing it to fit easily inside the tip of a syringe.
Remarkably, once its function is complete, the pacemaker naturally dissolves within the body, eliminating the need for surgical removal.
Smart Functionality Powered by Light and the Body’s Own Cells
This pacemaker is paired with a soft patch placed on the patient’s chest. When the patch detects an irregular heartbeat, it automatically emits light to activate the pacemaker and restore an appropriate heart rhythm.
The device is powered by a galvanic cell that converts chemical energy from bodily fluids into electrical pulses, enabling autonomous operation without external power sources.
To date, this technology has demonstrated successful performance in experimental studies involving mice, pigs, dogs, and human heart tissue in laboratory settings.
John Rogers, the senior author of the study from Northwestern University, stated that he expects the device to enter human clinical trials within the next two to three years.
He also announced that his laboratory has established a specialized spin-off company to commercialize this technology, emphasizing its potential to introduce innovative strategies for addressing public health challenges.
The findings of this study were published in the scientific journal Nature.