Engineers have created a pacemaker that’s smaller than a grain of rice

This tiny yet crucial device is a game-changer for patients with heart defects.

Engineers from Northwestern University have developed a pacemaker that is thought to be the smallest in the world.

A pacemaker is a device placed in a body to send an electrical pulse to the heart to prevent it from beating too slowly.

The device is only 1.8 millimeters wide, 3.5 millimeters long, and one millimeter thick, making it smaller than a grain of rice, reports Northwestern Now.

This tiny size allows it to be injected into the body via a syringe without undergoing surgery, which is the case with usual pacemakers.

The pacemaker is paired with a small wireless wearable device placed on a patient's chest to control the heart's pace. Once the device notices an irregular heartbeat, it starts sending a light pulse to activate the pacemaker and control the pacing.

The device was created for patients who need a temporary pacemaker. Because it’s made from biocompatible parts, it dissolves when it’s no longer needed, meaning that it won’t need to be removed surgically.

The study, which reveals how the pacemaker works, was led by John A. Rogers, the lead developer. Rogers explained that there’s a serious need for temporary pacemakers, especially in pediatric heart surgeries.

The study’s co-lead, Igor Efimov, explained that such a device would especially benefit kids born with congenital heart defects.

After surgery, such young patients only need a temporary pacemaker, as their heart should be able to “self-repair.” However, time is extremely critical, so the tiny pacemaker helps to keep their heart functioning properly during recovery.