World’s smallest pacemaker unveiled, groundbreaking device smaller than a grain of rice

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World’s smallest pacemaker, which is smaller than a grain of rice, has been developed by researchers in a landmark scientific breakthrough. Developed by Northwestern University engineers, the tiny device is injectable into the body without the need for surgical implantation, and will dissolve on its own after it is no longer needed.

The pacemaker is intended for patients requiring temporary pacing, as in the case of infants with congenital heart defects. Conventional pacemakers utilize wires and require another operation to remove, unlike this pacemaker. The pacemaker pairs with a flexible, wireless, small wearable patch that goes on the chest. The patch detects the heart beating abnormally and releases a soft pulse of light into the pacemaker to activate it, which can detect the soft pulse of light as it penetrates through skin and muscle tissue to detect the heartbeat.The pacemaker is energized by a mini-battery that draws only the electrical charge from body fluids.

Researchers tested it on animal and cadaver hearts, with successful results in the pacemaker managing a steady heartbeat, indicating its potential use in heart operations for children. Because a pacemaker can be placed in smaller sizes, numerous pacemaker can be placed in adults who have heart disease for synchronization of rhythms. This technology has long-term applications, and could hypothetically heal nerves, bones, and provide pain relief, among other offers in heart diseases. With more testing this pacemaker can be a “baby saver” for infants and adult patients as well, making many cardiac procedures safer and more efficacious.

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