This battery-free pacemaker is powered by the wearer's heartbeats. A prototype has proved successful in pigs and its makers are preparing to test the device in humans.
Developed at the University of Bern in Switzerland by cardiologist and engineer Rolf Vogel, the prototype harvests energy from a heart's normal beat. The design is based on the same technology used in automatic wrist watches. With the help of student Adrian Zurbuchen, Vogel altered it so it can be sutured directly onto the heart's surface.
In addition to testing the battery-free pacemaker further, the next step involves incorporating the energy-harvesting mechanism with an electric circuit to store it. If successful, this invention could significantly reduce the number of pacemaker-replacing surgeries.
Heartbeat-Powered Prototypes
This Battery-Free Pacemaker Design Harvests Energy from Normal Beats
Trend Themes
1. Battery-free Medical Devices - The trend of developing battery-free medical devices, such as this heartbeat-powered pacemaker, opens up opportunities for sustainable and long-lasting healthcare solutions.
2. Energy-harvesting Technologies - The advancement of energy-harvesting technologies, like this heart-powered design, creates opportunities for self-sustaining electronic devices in various industries.
3. Implantable Electronics - The trend of implantable electronics is evolving with innovations like this prototype pacemaker, opening doors for new applications in the healthcare sector.
Industry Implications
1. Medical Device Industry - The medical device industry can explore opportunities to develop more efficient and sustainable battery-free devices, such as pacemakers, to improve patient care.
2. Wearable Technology Industry - The wearable technology industry can leverage energy-harvesting technologies, inspired by this heart-powered pacemaker, to create self-powered wearable devices for various purposes.
3. Electronics Manufacturing Industry - The electronics manufacturing industry can explore the potential of implantable electronics, like this heart-powered prototype, to create innovative and long-lasting electronic solutions.