Scientists Develop World's Smallest Pacemaker in The Size of a Rice Grain

Researchers at Northwestern University have unveiled an innovative pacemaker that is smaller than a grain of rice, offering a less invasive solution for patients requiring temporary cardiac pacing.

This device, measuring just 1.8mm by 3.5mm by 1mm, can be injected directly into the heart using a syringe, eliminating the need for traditional surgical implantation.

Bozhi Tian, who developed a light-activated pacemakers called this new research a "significant leap forward" and told AFP that:

"This new pacemaker is a transformative breakthrough in medical technology,”

The pacemaker pairs with a soft, flexible, wireless wearable device that adheres to the patient’s chest. This external unit monitors the heart’s rhythm and, upon detecting irregularities, emits light pulses to activate the pacemaker, ensuring timely intervention.

Designed for temporary use, the pacemaker is constructed from biocompatible materials that naturally dissolve in the body once it’s no longer needed, eliminating the necessity for surgical removal.

This feature is particularly beneficial for newborns with congenital heart defects, as it reduces the risks associated with multiple surgeries and potential organ failure.

John A. Rogers, the lead researcher and a bioelectronics pioneer at Northwestern, emphasized the significance of this development:

“We have developed what is, to our knowledge, the world’s smallest pacemaker. There’s a crucial need for temporary pacemakers in the context of pediatric heart surgeries, and that’s a use case where size miniaturization is incredibly important.”

His lab also launched a startup to make the leap and have this rice sized pacemaker to be launched for humans in the next 2 to 3 years.

This advancement represents a significant step forward in cardiac care, offering a safer and more efficient alternative for patients requiring temporary pacing solutions.