Researchers have developed a groundbreaking temporary pacemaker that is smaller than a grain of rice, capable of being injected into the body, thus eliminating the need for surgical installation and removal.

This innovative device has shown effectiveness in both animal and human hearts, with a particular emphasis on pediatric care, as approximately one percent of children are born with congenital heart defects.

The pacemaker is especially beneficial for newborns, providing essential temporary pacing during critical recovery periods following heart surgery, typically lasting around seven days.

Next steps for the researchers include extensive safety evaluations and obtaining FDA approvals for human use, which they are pursuing through their start-up company, NuSera Biosystems.

The device operates without external power, utilizing a galvanic cell powered by the body's biofluids to generate electricity, which simplifies the implantation process and reduces patient trauma.

Controlled by a soft, flexible wearable device on the patient's chest, the pacemaker uses infrared light pulses to activate when an irregular heartbeat is detected, allowing for precise heart stimulation.

Due to its tiny size, multiple pacemakers can be deployed across different sites in the heart, each responding to distinct light frequencies, enhancing synchronization and treatment options.

Current temporary pacemaker procedures for adults carry risks such as infection and internal bleeding, underscored by the complications faced by former astronaut Neil Armstrong after a temporary pacemaker was removed.

Experts in the field have hailed this development as a significant breakthrough in miniaturization, emphasizing its potential to improve patient comfort and safety in clinical applications.

The primary motivation behind this innovation is to provide effective heart stimulation for children, enabling safer and gentler treatment options in pediatric care.

The versatility of the pacemaker may extend to other medical applications, including nerve healing, wound treatment, and pain management, showcasing its broad potential impact.

Importantly, the pacemaker does not interfere with MRI or CT scans, making it a safer option for patients who require routine medical imaging.