In a medical breakthrough that could revolutionize cardiac care, scientists at Northwestern University have developed a first-of-its-kind temporary pacemaker that is smaller than a grain of rice, wire-free, and powered by light. Even more remarkably, the device safely dissolves in the body once its job is done—removing the need for surgical extraction.
Described in a newly published study in Nature, the pacemaker has already shown success in both animal models and human donor hearts. Its potential life-saving applications range from newborns with congenital heart defects to adults recovering from heart surgery.
“We saw a clear need for a safer, less invasive option—particularly for pediatric heart surgery,” said John A. Rogers, a bioelectronics engineer and co-lead author of the study. “In these cases, the smaller the device, the better for the patient.”
A Next-Gen Alternative to a Risky Standard
Conventional temporary pacemakers rely on wired electrodes sewn directly onto the heart, with external cables protruding from the body. This setup carries a risk of infection, scarring, and even heart damage when the wires are removed—sometimes after becoming embedded in tissue.
“Wires literally protrude from the body,” said co-lead author Igor Efimov, an experimental cardiologist. “Removing them can be risky and painful.”
Northwestern’s innovation replaces wires with light. A tiny, bioresorbable sensor is implanted on the heart and controlled by a soft, skin-mounted patch. When a patient’s heart rate falters, the patch sends pulses of infrared light through the chest to activate the sensor, prompting it to deliver gentle electrical stimulation to keep the heartbeat steady.
Small, Smart, and Designed to Disappear
Thanks to its wireless, antenna-free design, the device measures just 3.5 millimeters—earning it the title of the smallest pacemaker ever created. It’s made entirely from materials that naturally dissolve inside the body within a week, aligning with the typical duration for post-surgery pacing. Future versions could extend functionality for weeks or even months.
The team is also exploring emergency applications, such as syringe-based deployment in patients experiencing cardiac arrest. A minimally invasive injection tool is currently under development.
Beyond cardiac care, Rogers and Efimov envision broader possibilities, from using the light-activated platform to manage pain or promote wound healing, to synchronizing multiple implants for treating arrhythmias or nerve damage.
Looking Ahead
While the device is still in preclinical testing, its developers are optimistic about its path to clinical trials and eventual use in hospitals. “The regulatory process is complex,” noted Efimov, “but we believe this could be available for clinical use within five years.”
If successful, the tiny, light-powered pacemaker could mark a major leap forward in temporary cardiac care—offering patients a safer, more comfortable, and less invasive experience.
If successful, Northwestern’s dissolvable, light-activated pacemaker could mark a paradigm shift in how physicians approach temporary cardiac care—offering a safer, smarter, and less invasive solution for some of the most vulnerable patients.
