Wireless Pacemakers

Wireless Pacemakers
http://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/news/20130509/wireless-pacemaker-shows-promise-in-early-study

Summary:

Nanostim Inc. has recently tested a new wireless artificial pacemaker. Most people have a biological pacemaker, which is a group of cells that release electric "pulses" to regulate heartbeat. Artificial pacemakers are required in case the biological one fails or behaves erratically.

 Conventional, wired pacemakers have wires that send the electric pulses to the heart. However, these wires can break, cause infection, and create health problems. These newer, wireless pacemakers would get rid of these problems, and reduce scarring. However, these new pacemakers are incompatible with those lacking a working AV node, reducing the amount of patients who can benefit from these pacemakers. Still, the success of wireless pacemakers can make implanting one a much less riskier task.

Relevance:

In class, we have recently learned about pacemakers and AV nodes that regulate a persons heartbeat. The pacemaker uses electric pulses to contract cardiac muscles in a regulated function. We discussed in class the availability of artificial pacemakers for those who have erratic heartbeat and other heart problems.

Source:

URL:http://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/news/20130509/wireless-pacemaker-shows-promise-in-early-study
Author: Randy Dotinga
Publication Date: May 9, 2013
Media Type: News Article