Scientists at Northwestern University have developed an advanced temporary pacemaker that is as small as a grain of rice. This new device is different from traditional pacemakers because it dissolves in the body after completing its job, removing the need for removal surgery.
The invention comes from the lab of John Rogers, a scientist who has been working on this technology for a long time. He explained that the project was inspired by the needs of medical professionals rather than just advancing technology.
Conventional pacemakers are large and require external wires to operate. When they are no longer needed, doctors must remove them through surgery, which can be painful and risky. If scar tissue forms around the wires, removing them could even cause internal bleeding.
This bioresorbable pacemaker is specifically designed to eliminate these risks. It works without wires and safely dissolves inside the body, eliminating the need for surgical removal.
John Rogers explains the innovation
In a university podcast, Rogers explained the importance of this device:
“When a patient undergoes heart surgery, there’s often a need to temporarily pace the heart to ensure it maintains a safe rhythm during recovery. Traditional temporary pacemakers use bulky wires and external devices, which can be cumbersome and uncomfortable. More concerning is the risk of complications when the pacemaker leads need to be removed, particularly if scar tissue has formed, potentially causing internal bleeding and serious harm.”
By removing the need for wire removal, this invention could make heart surgeries safer and recovery smoother.
This research has been documented and published in the journal Nature. Scientists hope that this tiny pacemaker will help many patients, especially in paediatric heart surgeries.
John Rogers believes that the device could be tested in clinical trials within five years. If successful, this innovation could change the future of heart treatment.
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