World’s Smallest Pacemaker Unveiled with Breakthrough Biodegradable Design

Northwestern University researchers reveal a dissolvable, injectable pacemaker powered by body fluids and activated by light, designed for temporary cardiac pacing in newborns and broader medical applications.

The pacemaker, measuring 1.8mm by 3.5mm by 1mm, is the smallest ever developed and can be injected using a syringe.
It is powered by a galvanic cell that uses biofluids to generate electricity and is activated by light pulses from a wearable chest patch.
Designed for temporary use, the device dissolves harmlessly in the body, eliminating the need for surgical removal and reducing risks like infection and tissue damage.
The primary application is for newborns with congenital heart defects, offering a safer, less invasive solution for critical post-surgery pacing needs.
The technology has been successfully tested on animal models and human heart tissue, with human trials anticipated in 2-3 years, and potential uses in bioelectronic medicine like nerve regeneration and pain management.

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