Living systems maintain balance through complex physiological feedback loops. Engineering solutions like cardiac pacemakers mimic this closed-loop control to autonomously regulate vital parameters. However, existing platforms have key limitations that follow from their reliance on conventional electronic hardware, monitoring schemes and interfaces to the body. These include risks of infection from physical tethers and access points, restricted patient mobility from external modules, and the need for invasive surgeries to replace components like batteries and leads. Such drawbacks not only hinder patient care but also increase hospitalization time, often requiring intensive care. These challenges highlight the need for more integrated, less invasive, and patient-friendly therapeutic technologies.
Researchers at GW have developed a temporary closed-loop system that combines a time-synchronized, wireless network of soft, skin-integrated devices with an advanced bioresorbable pacemaker to control cardiac rhythms, track cardiopulmonary status, provide multi-haptic feedback, and enable transient operation with minimal patient burden. This system provides a range of robust, rate-adaptive cardiac pacing capabilities, as demonstrated in rat, canine, and human heart studies of autonomous treatment of bradycardias. This work establishes a generalizable engineering framework for closed-loop temporary electrotherapy using wirelessly linked, body-integrated bioelectronic devices.
Figure: Illustrates a transient closed-loop system for temporary cardiac pacing
Advantages:
- Real-time adjustment based on respiratory rate, physical activity, and heart rate.
- Dissolves naturally in the body after 10–30+ days (customizable).
Applications:
- Postoperative Temporary Cardiac Pacing
- Remote Patient Monitoring & Telehealth
- Transitional Therapy for Cardiac Rhythm Disorders
