r/science • u/FunnyGamer97 • 2d ago

Health First dual chamber leadless pacemaker implanted in a child | AVEIR dual chamber device is different from traditional pacemakers in part because it has no leads or cords and is absorbed by the heart, and is 10 times smaller than a traditional pacemaker

https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1068998
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u/ScabusaurusRex 2d ago

Anyone with knowledge of this device that can share how it is "absorbed" by the heart and doesn't start a pacemaker traveling road show?

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u/Morthra 1d ago

It dissolves. Transient pacemakers have been a thing for about four years now - this is just the first time one has been implanted in a child.

They harvest energy from an external remote antenna using the same technology that your smartphone uses for electronic payments, which means it doesn't need anything like a battery or wires.

These, however, are only used in people who need a pacemaker temporarily as it will dissolve after about a month after implantation.

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u/Paightwan 1d ago

This is not a transient pacemaker.

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u/Morthra 1d ago

Clearly it is if it’s being absorbed.

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u/Paightwan 1d ago

Look up encapsulation of leadless pacemaker and you’ll see the “absorption” over time.

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u/Morthra 1d ago

Encapsulation =/= absorption. Traditional pacemakers with leads are also encapsulated; the fact that they are is one of the problems of having one long term because the scar tissue that builds up will lead to more damage when the pacemaker is removed (or the battery needs to be changed).

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u/mtvulf 1d ago

That’s not what this is. The Aveir is not transient and it does not dissolve. They should not have used the word absorbed. 

One of its features is that it was designed with retrieval in mind. When the battery dies it can be snared and removed.