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Chronicle
2024
Introduced implantable pacemaker that regulates heartbeat for 5 days and then dissolves
On August 27, 2024, Swedish researchers from Lund University reported the development of an injectable pacemaker for emergency situations. This decision is able to correct the heart rhythm within five days, after which it dissolves in the body.
Arrhythmia is a pathological condition in which the frequency, strength and sequence of heart beats are disturbed. The ailment occurs due to malfunctions in the electrical signals of the heart. Researchers say arrhythmia can be treated with drugs, but in a number of cases a defibrillator or surgically implanted pacemaker may be needed. These types of interventions can be complex in war zones, during mountain hikes, or in other settings where the provision of medical care is difficult. A team of Swedish scientists has proposed an alternative option.
An injection pacemaker is a syringe filled with a solution of nanoparticles. After injection through a thin needle, the solution forms an electrically conductive polymer hydrogel near the heart, which performs the functions of an electrode. Due to the close contact of the polymer with the cardiac tissue, the stimulant can work with low input capacities.
For example, a smartphone can be connected to the injection site. In this case, pulses from the cellular device will be transmitted to an electrically conductive hydrogel in the body. Using a mobile application, the patient will be able to measure the frequency and pattern of heartbeats and regulate arrhythmia before being taken to a medical facility for qualified care.
 | The method is minimally invasive. Moreover, the stimulant self-dissolves and is excreted from the body, so it does not need to be surgically removed, says Martin Hjort, a researcher at the Department of Chemical Biology and Therapy at Lund University.[1] |  |
In Russia, created a "eternal" power source for cardioimplants
On April 23, 2024, specialists from the Fiztech School of Nature-Like, Plasma and Nuclear Technologies named after I.V. Kurchatov MIPT announced the development of an enzyme biofuel element for implantable medical devices. This product can become an "eternal" power source for devices such as cardioimplants.
The created element converts the chemical energy of organic substances into electrical energy through an electrochemical reaction. The article consists of electrolyte, anode and cathode. The principle of operation is to oxidize the fuel at the anode with the release of electrons and protons. The protons then penetrate the electrolyte solution to the cathode and the electrons pass through an external circuit to which a load is applied. The device operates due to glucose oxidation.
The new power supply does not require replacement throughout the life of the pacemaker. Conventional lithium-ion batteries need to be changed every 5-10 years. The operation to install the created device does not involve extensive surgery: the procedure is carried out using a stent - a special frame that is placed in the lumen of the coronary vessels of the heart or bile duct and provides expansion of the area. Installation occurs by angioplasty, that is, through a puncture in a vein or artery. Conventional surgery when performing pacemaker replacement lasts about an hour and involves a small incision followed by sutures.
The enzyme biofuel element is suitable for patients who use active implants, as well as people with diabetes mellitus (to power biosensors and other sensors). The use of the novelty will eliminate operational medical interventions to replace the battery, which can be traumatic for patients and dangerous for elderly people.[2]
Organic films for charging pacemakers have been developed in Russia
On February 29, 2024, Russian researchers from the Ural Federal University (UrFU) announced the development of biocompatible crystal films. They are claimed to have high piezoelectric properties - they generate an electric current under mechanical or thermal action. The technology could come in handy when creating elements for invasive medical devices such as pacemakers.
The project was implemented with the participation of specialists from the University of Aveiro. Diphenylalanine films have been created that have high piezoelectric properties comparable to inorganic analogs. Electricity can be generated by mechanical or thermal action. It is emphasized that diphenylalanine is a form of phenylalanine, one of the 20 amino acids that make up proteins and which plays an important role in biological processes. This substance is part of the human body, and therefore the materials from it are highly compatible with living tissues.
In the case of pacemakers, new films can act as an energy generator. At rest, the heart beats 50-70 times per minute, and with stress or physical exertion, the heart rate increases two to three times. When the heart moves or beats, films of a new type will begin to generate energy, which will then accumulate in pacemaker batteries. Such products can solve the problem of replacing dead batteries, as well as reduce the number of surgical interventions.
The films were synthesized using a new method - crystallization from the amorphous phase under the influence of water vapor. The conventional method of producing diphenylalanine involves crystallization in aqueous solution, which leads to the formation of structures with poorly controlled morphology. The new technology makes it possible to obtain films with a flat surface on which electrodes can be applied.
| | We were able to achieve films with flat morphology. We also note that our method is unique and has not previously been proposed by other scientific groups, "says Denis Alikin, head of the laboratory of functional nanomaterials and nanodevices at the Research Institute of Physics and Applied Mathematics at UrFU.[3] | |
2023
Wireless charging for subcutaneous implants developed
In mid-November 2023, Chinese researchers at Lanzhou University reported the development of a wireless charger for subcutaneous implants, such as pacemakers. This product has a biodegradable design, and therefore does not require removal from the body after completion of operation. Read more here.
Patients began to be implanted with the world's first pacemakers with MRI sensors
On August 29, 2023, the private medical company Biotronik announced the world's first operation to implant a next-generation pacemaker Amvia Edge equipped with an MRI sensor. Read more here.
Pacemakers have entered the market, operating for a record 13 years without stopping
On May 18, 2023, the company MicroPort CRM , headquartered in France , announced the launch of Alizea and Celea pacemakers with a record length of work. More. here
Medtronic releases MRI system for patients with pacemakers
On April 4, 2023, Medtronic announced the MRI Care Pathway complex, a specialized system for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in patients with implanted cardiac devices. Read more here.
2022
A pacemaker has been developed that works without batteries
In early November 2022, researchers at the University of Arizona developed a pacemaker that works without batteries, a device that uses optogenetic stimulation of cardiomyocytes to achieve a heart rate. Read more here.
Abbott releases electrodeless pacemaker
In early April 2022 Abbott , he released the first electrodeless pacemaker Aveir VR in his range. The device is designed to accelerate a slow heart rate, and according to information the company, Aveir VR has a longer battery life, a pre-mapping system and the ability to easily remove if necessary. More. here
2021
Boston Scientific recalls defective pacemakers that have malfunctions
In early August 2021, Boston Scientific recalled Ingenio pacemakers, including the Advantio DR EL, Ingenio DR EL and Vitalio DR EL models, and pacemakers for resynchronization therapy due to malfunctions. Due to the defect, the devices go into safe mode designed for backup without warning, the company said. In this case, the device cannot be reprogrammed and must be replaced. Read more here.
Abbott recalls defective pacemakers causing short circuit
In mid-May 2021, Abbott announced the recall of some pacemakers that are susceptible to short circuit due to the possibility of moisture entering the device. Read more here.
2019
Medtronic reported marriage in pacemakers, which are also implanted in Russia
In mid-September 2019, Medtronic reported defective pacemakers that are implanted in Russia and elsewhere in the world. It turned out that by August, the company had received 52 complaints from doctors who had problems installing Micra ICDs. The pacemaker defects forced doctors to extend the length of the implantation procedure or perform additional surgery. Read more here.
The first operations on the implantation of the Medtronic micro-pacemaker were carried out in Russia
On March 27, 2019, information appeared that Novosibirsk doctors were the first in Russia to begin testing the compact pacemaker Medtronic Micra manufactured by the American company Medtronic, which sponsors the study. Read more here.
2018: Internet update disabled due to threat of cyber attacks on Medtronic pacemakers
On October 12, 2018, in connection with the threat of cyber attacks, the manufacturer of medical devices Medtronic Plc announced the deactivation of the Internet update for 34 thousand CareLink programmers used by doctors around the world to access patients' electrocardiostimulants.
According to the company, using a vulnerability in devices, attackers can harm patients depending on the scale and purpose of the attack, as well as the patient's condition, reports. Reuters According to a letter sent to medics in October 2018, Medtronic Plc is not aware of any instances of exploitation of the vulnerability.
The US Food and Drug Administration examined the problem and approved the manufacturer's decision to turn off the ability to update devices via the Internet. The regulator recommended that doctors continue to use CareLink, but not try to update the software via the Internet. No action is required from patients.
According to the researchers who discovered the problem, with its help an attacker can update the programmer using a malicious update, and then attack the electrocardiostimulator.
For October 2018, updates can be installed manually via USB. [4]
2017
Release of update that fixes vulnerability in Abbott pacemakers
At the end of August 2017 Food and Drug Administration (FDA) , it issued an official warning about the existence of vulnerabilities in the company's pacemakers (Abbott formerly St. Jude Medical). The manufacturer responded to a message from the authorities and released a software update that fixes the shortcomings of its equipment. More. here
FDA criticism for problems in Abbott pacemakers
In April 2017, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) sent an open letter to Abbott Laboratories criticizing the company for failing to investigate and address risks with heart devices. We are talking about battery malfunctions and cybersecurity problems. Read more here.
US authorities for the first time publicly recognized the existence of vulnerabilities in Abbott pacemakers
On January 9, 2017, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) acknowledged vulnerabilities in some cardiac implantable devices. Experts in the field of information security have repeatedly spoken about the existence of problems in this equipment that cybercriminals can use for their own purposes. Now they have been officially confirmed at the government level. Read more here.
2016
Fatal problems with pacemakers St. Jude Medical
On October 11, 2016, St. Jude Medical warned of a malfunction in its pacemakers that could be fatal to patients. This gap could be exploited by hackers. Read more here.
Uncovering vulnerabilities in St. Jude Medical pacemakers and defibrillators
In August 2016, it became known that a group of hackers found a way to hack pacemakers and defibrillators, which are produced by a large American manufacturer of medical equipment St. Jude Medical. Instead of informing the company about vulnerabilities in its products, hackers turned to Carson Block, head of investment firm Muddy Waters Capital, with an unprecedented commercial offer that will help them earn money together. Read more here. Read more here.
1960
1958: World's first Siemens Elema implantable pacemaker
Notes
- ↑ Injectable heart stimulator for emergency situations
- ↑ MIPT created an "eternal" power source for cardioimplants
- ↑ Scientists create organic films to charge pacemakers
- ↑ [Medtronic has disabled Internet updates for pacemakers due to the threat of cyber attacks|https://www.securitylab.ru/news/495906.php Medtronic has disabled Internet updates for pacemakers due to the threat of cyber attacks]
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