Scientists have developed a pacemaker that is so small that it can fit inside the tip of a syringe. In fact, it is smaller than a rash of rice.

Pacemakers developed by engineers at Northwestern University can be individually injected into the body. The findings published in the Peer-Ruined Journal Nature have shown that the device is designed for patients who require temporary pacing like infants.

Unlike traditional pacemakers, who require wires and other surgery to remove, it is not required a naturally dissolves in the body.

Northwestern Bioelectronics’s Pioneer John A. “Everything we have believed is the world’s smallest pacemaker,” Northwestern Bioelectronic Pioneer John A. Rogers said, who led the development of the device. “Pediatrics are important for heart surgery, miniature is important. Small, better.”

“Our main focus was children,” said Northwestern cardiologist Igor Ephimov. “About 1% of congenital heart is born with defects, but only temporary pacing is required after surgery. In about seven days, their hearts are self-refused. This small pacemaker can support them during that critical period, without another surgery to remove.”

How does the device work?

The device works with a small, flexible, wireless wearable patches placed on the chest. When the patch detects an irregular heartbeat, it sends a light signal to the pacemaker, activating it.

These soft light pulses pass through the skin and muscles to control the rhythm of the heart.

The pacemaker is powered by a small battery that uses body fluid to create electrical energy. This also does not require traditional wires, making it safe and easy to use. Unlike earlier versions, which depended on radio signals, this new device uses light to control heartbeat, making it very small.

“We developed a light-based system to turn on and off the pacemaker,” Rogers said. “This helped us to reduce its size.”

Researchers tested pacemaker on animal models and first donated human hearts. The results showed that the device was effective in maintaining a stable heartbeat.

future prospects

Researchers believe that this pediatrician may be a game-chain for heart surgery.

Due to its small size, pacemaker can also be useful in adult cardiac remedies. Doctors can keep several pacemakers in different areas of the heart to help synchronizing the heart rhythm compared to current devices.

It can also be used with artificial heart valves to prevent complications. “This technique opens many possibilities. It can be used not only for heart conditions but also for nerves, bones and even pain management,” Rogers said.

With further testing, this small pacemaker may soon become a life -saving solution for newborns and adults, making heart treatment safe and more efficient.