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Implantation and Control of Wireless, Battery-free Systems for Peripheral Nerve Interfacing
Published on: October 20, 2021
Fully Implantable Wireless Cardiac Pacing and Sensing System Integrated with Hydrogel Electrodes
Zhiqiang Chang1, Bingfang Wang1, Qinjuan Ren1
1Research Center for Translational Medicine, Medical Innovation Center and State Key Laboratory of Cardiology, Shanghai East Hospital, The Institute for Biomedical Engineering & Nano Science, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200120, China.
A new wireless, battery-free cardiac pacemaker uses flexible hydrogel electrodes for effective heart pacing and monitoring. This bioelectronic device overcomes limitations of traditional pacemakers, reducing risks and improving patient mobility.
Area of Science:
- Bioelectronic Medicine
- Biomaterials Science
- Cardiovascular Engineering
Background:
- Traditional cardiac pacemakers utilize rigid electrodes, risking heart damage and detachment due to mechanical mismatch with cardiac tissue.
- Percutaneous leads and batteries in conventional pacemakers pose infection risks and restrict patient movement.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a wireless, battery-free, multifunctional bioelectronic device for cardiac pacing.
- To address the limitations of current pacemaker technology, enhancing safety and functionality.
Main Methods:
- Integration of highly conductive, flexible, and stretchable soft hydrogel electrodes (160 S m⁻¹, Young's modulus 80 kPa, 270% stretchability).
- Utilizing the device for electrocardiogram (ECG) recordings and cardiac pacing in vivo.
- Wireless, fully implantable design for cardiac pacing in animal models.
Main Results:
- Achieved high signal-to-noise ratio (≈28 dB) ECG recordings and effective cardiac pacing.
- Demonstrated sustained recording and pacing capabilities for 31 days post-implantation in rats.
- Successfully performed wireless cardiac pacing in fully implanted rabbits.
Conclusions:
- The developed wireless, battery-free bioelectronic device offers a promising alternative to conventional pacemakers.
- Flexible hydrogel electrodes provide excellent mechanical compatibility and functionality for cardiac applications.
- This technology paves the way for advanced implantable flexible bioelectronics in cardiac therapy.
