Cardiac-Powered Pacemakers and Implantable Pain Devices

/ Thomas Cohn, MD

recharge deviceA team of scientists at Dartmouth College have developed what they believe is the future of implantable devices. Their dime-sized device turns kinetic energy of the heart into electricity that can power pacemakers and other implantable devices.

The invention works by adding a small piece of polymer piezoelectric film, called “PVDF,” to current implantable devices. This film converts the smallest motions into electricity, which can be used to power or recharge the device. The electricity can also be used to help implanted sensors collect other vital health information.

“We knew it had to be biocompatible, lightweight, flexible, and low profile, so it not only fits into the current pacemaker structure but is also scalable for future multi-functionality,” said research associate Lin Dong, who added that it is “of equal importance is that the device not interfere with the body’s function.”

Powering Pain Control Devices

The team noted that they just completed their first round of animal testing, and the study produced “great results.” If things stay on track, they believe the device could be ready for commercial release within five years.

This could be a gamechanger for individuals with implantable devices, because oftentimes they need to have their batteries replaced every 5-10 years. This means subsequent surgeries, which is not only costly for the patient, but every surgery carries potential risks. By developing a device that can prevent the need for excessive surgeries, we can save patients time, money and risk.

Hopefully the device continues to progress through the necessary stages in clinical trials. It sounds like it’s primarily being used in pacemakers, but it would be great if it could also become mainstream in implantable pain devices. These implantable devices also need to have their batteries changed every so often, so to be able to save patients the hassle of a battery change would be incredible. It’s all about providing the patient with the best care, and this device has the ability to do just that.

I’ll be keeping an eye on this device in the coming years, and I hope to see it commercially available in the not-so-distant future.