A team of researchers from the University of Chicago presented a revolutionary invention - an ultra-thin pacemaker that is 100 times thinner than a human hair! This device is capable of regulating the functioning of both the cardiovascular and nervous systems of the body. This was reported by MIR 24 with reference to Nature.
Millions of people around the world already use pacemakers. According to scientists, the new pacemaker will not only be more compact and convenient, but also much more reliable. Its operation is based on the use of light, which allows us to completely eliminate moving parts and wires, which are the weak link of traditional devices.
The device is a miniature flexible membrane consisting of two layers of silicon material. When exposed to light, these layers generate an electrical charge, which is then concentrated and directed to the desired location using nanopores in the top layer.
The membrane is implanted into the body through a tiny incision, and fiber optics are used instead of a battery.
The thickness of the membrane is only 1 micrometer - 100 times thinner than a human hair. The area is several square centimeters. Weight less than 1/50 of a gram (modern pacemakers weigh at least five grams).
“The lighter the device, the more convenient it is for patients,” the developers explained.
After the end of its service life, the pacemaker simply dissolves in the body, leaving no toxic traces.
First tests on pig hearts showed the high efficiency of the new device. In the future, scientists plan to adapt the development for use in humans.