by In a groundbreaking development, researchers from the University of Chicago have introduced a revolutionary pacemaker design that is ultra-thin and minimally invasive, powered by light for controlling cardiovascular or neural activity in the body. This innovative device, as thin as a human hair, can be implanted through minimally invasive surgery, without any moving parts, marking a significant advancement in the field of cardiac technology.
Published in Nature on Feb. 21, the research led by graduate student Pengju Li and Prof. Bozhi Tian aims to address the need for smaller and less intrusive pacemakers to reduce complications in heart surgeries while opening up new possibilities for future medical devices. The wireless device, utilizing photovoltaic technology akin to solar cells, can effectively regulate cardiac functions without the need for traditional batteries, utilizing a tiny optic fiber for power.
The key breakthrough lies in the design’s ability to localize energy transfer upon exposure to light, a critical feature essential for precise activation in therapeutic applications like cardiac resynchronization therapy. The device comprises two layers of silicon material that respond to light by generating electrical charge, with nanoporosity enhancing electrical performance and focusing electricity in a controlled manner.
Weighing less than one fiftieth of a gram and significantly smaller than current pacemakers, this cutting-edge membrane is not only lightweight but also disposable, dissolving harmlessly over time within the body. The technology represents a significant milestone in cardiac care, offering a seamless integration of bioelectronics with the body’s natural functions for enhanced patient comfort and treatment efficacy.
While the initial trials focused on cardiac applications, the researchers envisage broader possibilities for neuromodulation, including nerve stimulation for movement disorders and chronic pain management. The concept of ‘photoelectroceuticals’ coined by Li underscores the potential for this technology to revolutionize medical interventions in diverse areas.
Moreover, the screening method developed by Li for evaluating silicon-based materials could have far-reaching implications beyond cardiac devices, extending to applications in battery technologies, catalysts, and photovoltaic cells. Prof. Tian reminisces about the successful trial of the pacemaker in pig hearts, highlighting the pivotal moment when their extensive efforts culminated in a transformative breakthrough for cardiac therapy.
As the medical community embraces this groundbreaking pacemaker technology controlled by light, a new era dawns in healthcare innovation, offering promise for more effective and patient-friendly treatment modalities across various medical disciplines.
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1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
