Global Research Trends and Hotspots in Cardiac Devices: A Bibliometric and Visual Analysis

Background: Cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) have become indispensable tools in the management of bradyarrhythmia and heart failure, prompting a surge in research activity. To characterize the evolving research landscape, we conducted a bibliometric analysis focused on institutional contributions, author networks, journal trends, funding patterns, and emerging thematic hotspots in the field of cardiac devices to highlight keywords and identify knowledge development timelines and emerging trends, providing a comprehensive overview of the current state of research in this area. Methods: We conducted a bibliometric analysis of cardiac devices using the Web of Science Core Collection (WOSCC) on 27 November 2024, with search terms "ST (cardiac defibrillator) OR (pacemaker)". Data from 1 January 2019 to 1 January 2024 resulted in 3753 articles, refined to 1000 after excluding non-English and methodologically inappropriate papers. VosViewer, Excel, and Drawio facilitated data visualization, creating networks where node size indicates frequency, line thickness shows association strength, and colors denote clusters. This approach helped identify key research trends and collaborations in the field. Results: The United States led in publication volume (362 papers) and citations (7198), with Emory University emerging as the most prolific institution. Heart Rhythm was the most productive journal, while Europace was the most co-cited. Kurt Stromberg was the leading author by publications and citations. Funding was predominantly from U.S. agencies, with the NIH and HHS each supporting 127 studies. Co-citation and keyword analyses revealed three dominant research clusters: (1) leadless pacemakers; (2) permanent pacemaker implantation following transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR); and (3) development of self-powered pacing technologies, including piezoelectric and bioresorbable systems. Conclusions: This study offers a comprehensive overview of recent trends and intellectual structures in cardiac device research. By identifying key contributors, collaborative networks, and thematic evolutions, it provides a valuable reference for researchers, clinicians, and innovators seeking to navigate or shape the rapidly advancing field of cardiac electrophysiology and device therapy.