A self-assembled implantable microtubular pacemaker for wireless cardiac electrotherapy

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Cardiovascular Technology
• Minimally Invasive Devices

Background:

• Current cardiac pacemakers rely on batteries and pacing leads, posing risks of infection, valve damage, and requiring invasive battery replacement surgery.
• Existing wireless epicardial pacing solutions still necessitate open-chest surgery, leading to significant patient recovery burdens.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate a fully biocompatible, wireless microelectronic pacemaker implantable via intravascular methods.
• To develop a leadless and battery-free solution for cardiac pacing, reducing invasiveness and healthcare burden.

Main Methods:

• A self-assembled, biocompatible wireless microelectronic device was designed and rolled into a lightweight microtubular pacemaker.
• Radiofrequency energy transfer was utilized for wireless power delivery and electrical stimulation of the heart.
• The device was implanted intravascularly and tested in an anesthetized pig model.

Main Results:

• The microtubular pacemaker effectively restored cardiac contraction in a nonbeating heart.
• Overdrive pacing was successfully demonstrated to augment blood circulation.
• The device proved capable of leadless and battery-free cardiac pacing.

Conclusions:

• This novel microtubular pacemaker enables minimally invasive, intravascular implantation.
• The leadless, battery-free design offers a promising advancement over conventional and current wireless pacing systems.
• This technology paves the way for a new generation of implantable cardiac electronic devices.