Northwestern University scientists advanced The world’s smallest pacemaker who can fit inside the tip of a syringe and can be injected into the body non-invasively. Measuring just 1.8 millimeters in width, 3.5 millimeters in length and one millimeter in thickness, the small tool is smaller than a rash of rice, but still manages to give more stimulation as a full -sized pacemaker.
The device can work with the hearts of all sizes, but the engineers who develop it say that it is particularly suited to the small, delicate hearts of newborns with congenital heart defects.
“We have developed the world’s smallest pacemaker, for our knowledge, the world’s smallest pacemaker,” Northwestern Biolyteronic Pioneer said.
“Pediatrics are a significant requirement for temporary pacemakers in terms of heart surgery, and it is an use case where the size miniature is incredibly important. In the context of the device load on the body – small, better.”
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How does the device work?
Currently, the temporary pacemaker requires surgery to sew the electrode on the heart muscle with wires connected to a equipment connected to a equipment on the patient’s chest. When the device is not required, the doctors take out the wires, which can sometimes cause damage.
However, the newly developed pacemaker is wireless and is designed to dissolve in the body when it is not required. Instead of using near-area communication for power supply, small pacemaker operates through the action of a galvanic cell, a type of simple battery that converts chemical energy into electrical energy.
When in contact with the surrounding biofluids, electrodes form a battery. As a result chemical reactions flow to electric current to stimulate the heart.
The pacemaker is attached to a soft patch worn on the patient’s chest. The team used an infrared wavelength of light that enters the body deeply and safely.
“If the patient’s heart rate falls below a certain rate, the wearable device detects the phenomenon and automatically activates a light emitting diode. The light then shines and closes at a rate that matches normal heart rate.”
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The US -led team of researchers behind the new device said they were inspired to help the small minorities of children born with congenital heart defects.
Northwestern cardiologist Igor Iffimov said, “Our main focus was children. About one percent of congenital heartbreaks are born with defects, but only temporary pacing is required after surgery. In about seven days, their hearts are self-reputed,” Northwestern cardiologist Igor Iffimov said.
“This small pacemaker can support them during that critical period, without the need for another surgery to remove.”