A Tiny, Wirelessly Powered Heart Pacemaker
Intravascular Deployment of a Wirelessly Powered Micro-Pacer
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES · NIH-11125967
This project is developing a very small, wirelessly powered pacemaker that can be placed inside a blood vessel to help people with heart rhythm problems.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (LOS ANGELES, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11125967 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Many people rely on pacemakers to keep their hearts beating regularly, but current devices can sometimes lead to complications from their wires or batteries. This project is creating a new kind of pacemaker that is much smaller, doesn't need wires, and doesn't have its own battery. Instead, this tiny device would be placed inside a blood vessel near the heart and receive power wirelessly from outside the body. This innovative design aims to overcome common problems like infections, lead fractures, or issues with the battery itself, offering a safer and more reliable option for heart rhythm management.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients who currently need a pacemaker or are at risk for heart rhythm problems could be ideal candidates for this future technology.
Not a fit: Patients whose heart conditions do not require pacing or who have other complex cardiac issues not addressed by pacing may not directly benefit from this specific device.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this technology could offer a safer, more reliable, and less invasive way to manage heart rhythm disorders by reducing common pacemaker complications.
How similar studies have performed: Previous work has shown promising results with a leadless and battery-free micro-pacer in preliminary stages, suggesting this approach is feasible.
Where this research is happening
LOS ANGELES, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES — LOS ANGELES, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: HSIAI, TZUNG K — UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES
- Study coordinator: HSIAI, TZUNG K
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.