Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a tiny pacemaker that is injected into the body, controlled using light shone through the skin, and dissolves when no longer needed.
Temporary pacemakers are often required after heart surgery while the patient waits for a permanent pacemaker or to help restore the heart’s rhythm.
Implanting these devices requires invasive procedures, with wires protruding from the body. Potential complications include infection, dislodgement, torn or damaged tissues, bleeding and blood clots.
Researchers at Northwestern in Illinois, US, had previously developed a quarter-sized (24mm) dissolvable electronic device for temporary pacing that eliminated the need for bulky batteries and wires.
While it proved promising in pre-clinical animal studies, cardiac surgeons wanted the device to be even smaller so it could be used in newborn babies with congenital heart defects.
Bioelectronics engineer John A Rogers, who led the device development, said: “There...