Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 14, 2026
16:40
A New Single Chamber Implantable Defibrillator with Atrial Sensing: A Practical Demonstration of Sensing and Ease of Implantation
Published on: February 28, 2012
Percutaneously injectable fetal pacemaker: electrodes, mechanical design and implantation.
Li Zhou1, Ramen Chmait, Yaniv Bar-Cohen
1Department of Biomedical Engineering, Viterbi School of Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA. zhou15@usc.edu
Summary
A novel, miniature pacemaker can be implanted in fetuses to treat fatal heart block. This device, tested in rabbits, offers a potential life-saving intervention for congenital heart conditions.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Fetal Medicine
- Cardiology
Background:
- Complete heart block in fetuses can lead to hydrops fetalis, a life-threatening condition.
- Current treatment options for fetal complete heart block are limited and often invasive.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and assess the feasibility of a self-contained, implantable cardiac pacemaker for fetal use.
- To address the need for a minimally invasive treatment for fetal complete heart block.
Main Methods:
- Development of a miniaturized (~3 × 20 mm) pacemaker using off-the-shelf components.
- Design of a corkscrew electrode (activated iridium) for secure myocardial attachment.
- Percutaneous implantation technique demonstrated under ultrasonic guidance in adult rabbits.
Main Results:
- Successful percutaneous implantation of the pacemaker was demonstrated in an animal model.
- The device design allows for secure fixation and minimal dislodgement risk within the fetal chest.
- The pacemaker utilizes a rechargeable lithium cell and a highly efficient relaxation oscillator.
Conclusions:
- A self-contained, miniaturized pacemaker is feasible for percutaneous fetal implantation.
- This technology shows promise as a life-saving intervention for fetal complete heart block and hydrops fetalis.
- Further research and development are warranted for clinical application in human fetuses.
