Researchers at Northwestern University have developed the world’s smallest pacemaker, which is smaller than a grain of rice and dissolves after it’s no longer needed. This innovative device is optically controlled and can be used to regulate heart rhythms in children and adults, including those with congenital heart defects. The pacemaker is paired with a small, soft, flexible, wireless device that captures electrocardiogram (ECG) data and automatically shines a pulse of infrared light to activate the pacemaker.
Forecast for 6 months: Within the next 6 months, we can expect to see the first human trials of the new pacemaker, with a focus on its safety and efficacy in regulating heart rhythms in patients with congenital heart defects.
Forecast for 1 year: In the next 12 months, we can anticipate the development of new applications for the pacemaker, including its use in nerve and bone healing, treating wounds, and blocking pain. Additionally, the device is likely to be approved for use in more countries, expanding its availability to patients worldwide.
Forecast for 5 years: Within the next 5 years, the pacemaker is expected to become a standard treatment for patients with heart rhythm disorders, with widespread adoption in hospitals and clinics around the world. We can also anticipate significant advancements in the technology, including the development of even smaller and more efficient devices.
Forecast for 10 years: In the next decade, we can expect to see the pacemaker become a key component of personalized medicine, with tailored treatments for individual patients based on their unique genetic profiles and medical histories. Additionally, the technology is likely to be used in conjunction with other medical devices, such as implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) and pacemakers, to create more comprehensive and effective treatments for heart disease.
