Scientists from Northwestern University in the state of Illinois, USA, have developed the world’s smallest pacemaker. The device measures just 3.5 millimeters in length, 1.8 millimeters in width, and 1 millimeter in thickness.
In terms of size, the new pacemaker is even smaller than a grain of rice. Despite its tiny dimensions, it is said to outperform many conventional pacemakers currently available in the market.
Our heart typically beats 60 to 100 times per minute. When this rhythm is disrupted, it can lead to severe illness or even death. A pacemaker is a device used to regulate the heart’s contractions and maintain a healthy rhythm, especially for patients with heartbeat disorders.
Traditional pacemakers require surgical procedures to be implanted into the heart. If the device becomes unnecessary or malfunctions, another surgery is needed to remove it. Additionally, being battery-powered, these devices eventually require battery replacement or recharging, which is often costly and complex.
The newly developed pacemaker by American scientists can be implanted into the heart using a syringe—eliminating the need for surgery. Moreover, since the device is wireless, it cannot be recharged externally.
Lead researcher Professor John A. Rogers explained that the pacemaker contains a galvanic cell, a type of simple battery capable of converting chemical energy into electrical energy. Once implanted, the galvanic cell activates upon contact with the body’s biofluids and powers the pacemaker.
Speaking to AFP, Rogers said, “There are many patients who need pacemakers but face high surgical risks. Over one percent of the world’s newborns are born with heart defects, making it extremely difficult to implant pacemakers through surgery. We wanted to create a device that could be introduced into the human body without complications. We hope this innovation will open new doors in medical treatment.”