Innovation in Cardiac Care
engineers have created a pacemaker so small it fits inside a syringe, designed for non-invasive injection into the body. This bioresorbable device aims to reduce surgical risks by eliminating the need for extraction.
The device, measuring 1.8mm by 3.5mm by 1mm, is controlled by a wearable device that uses light pulses to activate pacing, making it suitable for all heart sizes, especially newborns with congenital heart defects.
Clinical Implications and Future Prospects
Targeting temporary pacing needs, the device dissolves after use, offering a safer alternative to traditional pacemakers, particularly in pediatric surgery where about 1% of children are born with heart defects.
The research, published in Nature, shows efficacy in various animal models and human hearts from deceased donors. The team plans to seek FDA approval for human trials, potentially revolutionizing short-term pacing treatments.