Implantable permanent pacemakers are essential for treating bradyarrhythmias and AV block, while temporary pacing systems support patients with short-term needs, such as post-surgical bradycardia or as a bridge to permanent therapy. Temporary pacing systems include an external generator with one or two transcutaneous pacing leads. This hardware, however, carries significant risks of complications like infection from biofilm formation, accidental dislodgement, and potential myocardial injury during removal due to fibrotic tissue adherence. These circumstances create a unique need for an alternative temporary pacemaker technology that can deliver the necessary electrotherapy while addressing the associated physiological complications.
Researchers at GW have developed a novel implantable device for pacemaker, neuromodulator, and/or defibrillator therapy. It comprises a wireless power harvesting unit for stimulation in a manner that eliminates need for batteries and allows for externalized control without transcutaneous leads. The materials and design choices create a thin, flexible, and lightweight form that maintain excellent biocompatibility and stable function throughout a desired period of use. Over a subsequent time frame following the completion of therapy, the devices disappear completely through natural biological processes. These characteristics and a miniaturized geometry facilitate full implantation into the body to eliminate the need for percutaneous hardware, which thereby minimizes the risk of device-associated infections and dislodgement.
Figure: Shows proposed utilization of a bioresorbable, implantable, leadless, battery free cardiac pacemaker
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