Miniaturized long-life power for leadless pacemakers
Leadless Pacemaker Betavoltaic Power Source
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · CITY LABS, INC. · NIH-11193963
They are developing a tiny, long-lasting battery to power leadless pacemakers so patients could have much smaller devices that may last about 20 years.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | CITY LABS, INC. (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (Miami, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11193963 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This project will build a betavoltaic (radioisotope-based) power source small enough to fit inside a leadless pacemaker and provide steady power for around 20 years. Engineers will design and manufacture a biocompatible polyimide package that fits inside the pacemaker’s titanium housing to provide double encapsulation. Shrinking the battery from about 0.6 cc to ~0.1 cc could allow atrial placement, support multiple devices in a chamber, and simplify delivery catheters. The team aims to develop reliable device configurations and manufacturing approaches to enable later regulatory approval and market transition.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be people who need pacing support and could benefit from a smaller, long-lasting leadless device, such as those needing atrial pacing or younger patients who face many years of device dependence.
Not a fit: Patients requiring conventional transvenous pacemakers, those with anatomy or conditions incompatible with leadless devices, or anyone seeking an already-approved clinical option would not directly benefit from this preclinical development.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could enable much smaller leadless pacemakers with multi-decade battery life, lowering the need for replacement procedures and expanding options for younger patients.
How similar studies have performed: Betavoltaic power for implants has been explored in engineering research but remains largely experimental with little clinical use in pacemakers so far.
Where this research is happening
Miami, UNITED STATES
- CITY LABS, INC. — Miami, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: CABAUY, PETER — CITY LABS, INC.
- Study coordinator: CABAUY, PETER
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.