AssetID: 54645360
Headline: UNCAPTIONED: Scientists Create 'World's Smallest' Pacemaker
Caption: Scientists Create 'World's Smallest' Pacemaker. Engineers at Northwestern University in Illinois have developed an ultra-small pacemaker that can be non-invasively injected into the body via a syringe. Although capable of functioning with hearts of all sizes, the pacemaker is particularly suited to the delicate hearts of newborns with congenital heart defects. Measuring smaller than a single grain of rice, the pacemaker is designed to work alongside a small, soft, wireless, wearable device that attaches to a patient’s chest. When an irregular heartbeat is detected, the wearable device emits a pulse of light to activate the pacemaker. These pulses penetrate the skin, breastbone and muscles to regulate the heart’s rhythm. The new pacemaker operates via a galvanic cell, which converts chemical energy into electrical energy. When placed in the body, biofluids interact with metal electrodes to create an electrical current that stimulates the heart. Designed for temporary use, the pacemaker dissolves naturally once it is no longer required. As all components are biocompatible, they break down harmlessly in the body, eliminating the need for surgical removal.
Keywords: Science & Technology,Scientists,small,Pacemaker,Engineers,Northwestern University,Illinois,ultra-small,non-invasively,injected,body,syringe,heart,delicate,hearts,children,newborns,congenital,disease,grain,rice,soft,wireless,wearable,device,light,skin,breastbone,muscles,rhythm,galvanic cell,chemical,energy,electrical,biofluids,metal,electrodes,biocompatible,removal
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