US scientists simulate heartbeats to recharge pacemaker battery

This research is still in the initial stages and needs further investigation before it becomes part of the pacemakers used today.

Researchers at the University of Washington in Seattle successfully designed a leadless pacemaker that can be partially charged using energy generated by the beating heart. The research findings will be presented at the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions to be held later this weekend, aare small devices that detect a patient's heartbeat and send electrical pulses to the heart if it needs to be paced.

"Just like ultrasound converts electrical voltage into pressure or sound, we can engineer similar materials onto implantable medical devices to convert the heart’s natural oscillating pressures ‘backward’ into voltage to prolong battery life," Nazer said in a press release. The team found that the best-performing prototype could generate approximately 10 percent of the charge needed to pace the next beat. The recharging capability might not be much, but it can still help prolong the battery life. Younger patients who need pacemakers now have to undergo multiple procedures during their lifetime when the battery life ends.

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