Communications of the ACM
Smart Dissolving Pacemaker Communicates with Body-Area Sensor, Control Network
The transient pacemaker is flexible, stretchy, and wireless.
Credit: Northwestern University
Northwestern Medicine Feinberg School of Medicine
Northwestern University scientists have unveiled a smart version of a transient pacemaker, which dissolves when it is no longer needed, mated to a coordinated ‘body-area network” of wearable sensors and control units. The sensors communicate monitor physiological functions like body temperature, oxygen levels, respiration, muscle tone, physical activity, and the heart's electrical activity. Algorithms analyze these readings to autonomously detect abnormal cardiac rhythms and to determine when, and at what rate, to pace the heart. The system streams this data to a smartphone or tablet, so doctors can remotely monitor patients. The pacemaker harnesses energy from a wireless device that gently binds to the chest, and can communicate to the patient through vibrations relayed via a wearable haptic-feedback device when problems are detected.
From "Smart Dissolving Pacemaker Communicates with Body-Area Sensor, Control Network"
Northwestern Medicine Feinberg School of Medicine (05/26/22) Amanda Morris
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