Artificial Cardiac Pacemaker

Figure 1. Progression of the Pacemaker (Source)

Brief: The pacemaker is a small implantable device that is placed in the upper chest and is connected to the heart by a set of small thin insulated wires. The pacemaker is designed so that a health care professional can communicate with the device for small adjustments. As technology improved, many of the devices can be checked remotely without always haveing the patient come to the office. Modern pacemakers are very slim and rounded and hold a lithium-iodide cell that is capable of providing many years of service before the unit needs to be replaced. The purpose of the pacemaker is to artificially control the heartbeat pace and activation of the heart.

Figure 2. Sample diagram of implanted pacemaker (Source)

Medical professionals have been trying to learn how to control heart rate artificially via electrical signals since the early 1900s. However, the old models were bulky, required vacuum tubes, or required external AC power. These factors made it difficult for young recipients to readily accept them. It wasn't until 1958 that the first external wearable pacemaker was created by Earl Bakken. Eventually, technology became good enough that the pacemaker could be implanted into the subject. In 1971, there was some edits to the lifetime of the battery to prolong usage of one pacemaker.

Use: The pacemaker is self-contained and has relatively little impact on the the lifestyle of the wearer unless they travel through magnetic devices. Once implanted, the pacemaker begins to function immediately unless adjustments or replacement is required.

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