Developing a small power source for leadless cardiac pacemakers
Official title: Leadless Pacemaker Betavoltaic Power Source
Funded at City Labs, INC. · NIH-11008195 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a new tiny power source for leadless heart pacemakers that lasts much longer than current batteries, which could make it safer and easier for younger patients to get these devices.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | City Labs, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Miami, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | September 17, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $251,156 |
| NIH project number | 1SB1HL174312-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11008195 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients who require cardiac pacing and are suitable for leadless pacemaker implantation.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have contraindications for pacemaker implantation or those who do not require cardiac pacing will not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on creating a new type of power source for leadless cardiac pacemakers that is significantly smaller and longer-lasting than current lithium-based batteries. The innovative betavoltaic power source aims to reduce the battery size to just 0.1 cc while providing a consistent power output for up to 20 years. This advancement could allow for the implantation of leadless pacemakers in younger patients and enable more flexible device designs and implantation techniques. The project includes designing a biocompatible package to ensure safety and reliability.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective and longer-lasting leadless pacemakers, improving the quality of life for patients with heart rhythm disorders.
How similar studies have gone: While the concept of betavoltaic power sources is innovative, similar approaches in miniaturizing power sources for medical devices have shown promise, indicating potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
City Labs, INC.
Miami, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cabauy, Peter — City Labs, INC.
- Study coordinator: Cabauy, Peter
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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.