Ultrathin, wireless, light-operated pacemaker cuts invasive surgery

Scientists at the University of Chicago have developed a new pacemaker that’s thinner than a human hair, wireless and operated entirely by light from an optic fiber. The non-invasive device could help regulate heart activity or even stimulate neurons i… Continue reading Ultrathin, wireless, light-operated pacemaker cuts invasive surgery

New pacemaker leads would dissolve in the body when no longer needed

The leads that connect external pacemakers to the heart can potentially cause problems, either if they’re removed or left in place. German scientists are therefore developing an alternative, in the form of leads that get absorbed by the body.Continue R… Continue reading New pacemaker leads would dissolve in the body when no longer needed

Flower-like pacemaker uses light for pain-free defibrillation

Ordinarily, pacemakers correct irregular heartbeats by delivering an electric shock to the entire heart – which can be painful. An experimental new one takes a different approach, and it does so by encompassing the heart with light-emitting “petals.”Co… Continue reading Flower-like pacemaker uses light for pain-free defibrillation

Dissolving pacemaker links up with wearables to better control the heart

Last year, scientists at Northwestern University announced a transient pacemaker that dissolves when no longer needed. They’ve now improved the device, and incorporated it into a linked suite of wearable sensors.Continue ReadingCategory: Medical, Scien… Continue reading Dissolving pacemaker links up with wearables to better control the heart

Implanted generator could use ultrasound to charge pacemaker batteries

When a pacemaker’s battery gets low, the whole implant typically has to be surgically replaced. Scientists are therefore developing a noninvasive battery recharging system, which utilizes externally applied ultrasound.Continue ReadingCategory: Medical,… Continue reading Implanted generator could use ultrasound to charge pacemaker batteries

“Revolutionary” pacemaker tackles heart failure by listening to the lungs

While modern pacemakers have proven an invaluable and lifesaving medical tool, the way they regulate the pace of the heart differs from the varying beat of the organ in a healthy individual. Scientists see great potential in pacemaking technology that … Continue reading “Revolutionary” pacemaker tackles heart failure by listening to the lungs

World’s first transient pacemaker dissolves in the body after use

In a breakthrough that could greatly ease the burden for patients recovering from cardiac surgery, scientists have developed a new type of temporary pacemaker that never needs to be removed. The world-first device does away with lead and batteries in f… Continue reading World’s first transient pacemaker dissolves in the body after use

Otis Boykin’s Precision Passives Propelled the Pacemaker

The simplest ideas can be the ones that change the world. For Otis Boykin, it was a new way to make wirewound precision resistors. Just like that, he altered the course of electronics with his ideas about what a resistor could be. Now his inventions are in everything from household …read more

Continue reading Otis Boykin’s Precision Passives Propelled the Pacemaker

Active photonic power transfer tech uses light to charge implants

One of the problems with powered implants such as pacemakers is the fact that when their batteries run out of juice, they have to be surgically replaced. According to a new study, though, it may someday be possible to recharge those batteries by shinin… Continue reading Active photonic power transfer tech uses light to charge implants