Heartbeat-powered pacemaker may pave way for self-sustaining devices - Report - MDSpire
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Heartbeat-powered pacemaker may pave way for self-sustaining devices

A triboelectric nanogenerator–supported pacemaker shows efficacy in a preclinical swine study.

  • By

  • Andrea Surnit

  • August 24, 2026

  • 4 min

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Heartbeat-powered pacemaker may pave way for self-sustaining devices

Overview

A preclinical study demonstrates a leadless intracardiac pacemaker powered by energy harvested from cardiac motion.

Background

Leadless pacemakers are increasingly relevant in managing patients with cardiac implantable electronic devices, particularly those with complications from traditional systems. This study explores the feasibility of a novel energy-harvesting mechanism.

Data Highlights

ParameterValue
Maximum Output Voltage14.2 V
Maximum Output Current1.1 μA
Average Charge per Cardiac Cycle33 nC
Capacitor Charge Time653 seconds to 3 V
Volumetric Power Density277 μW/cm³

Key Findings

  • The leadless pacemaker generated sufficient electrical output to pace the heart using energy harvested from cardiac motion.
  • In vivo testing showed stable pacing with heart rate increases from 92 to 100 bpm and 75 to 120 bpm.
  • Electrical output remained stable after exposure to accelerated fatigue testing, simulating long-term use.
  • The device was successfully implanted using standard clinical methods without complications.
  • Chronic evaluation indicated preserved cardiac function and no significant adverse effects.

Clinical Implications

Further studies are necessary to evaluate long-term safety and performance in larger animal cohorts.

Conclusion

Further research is needed to confirm long-term viability.

Related Resources & Content

  1. Pengfei Chen et al., Science Advances, 2023 -- Self-sustaining leadless intracardiac pacemaker powered by triboelectric nanogenerator
  2. MDSpire News — Recycled Pacemakers May Offer Solution for Patients With Limited Access to Care
  3. MDSpire News — Leadless Pacemaker-ICD Study Exceeds Safety and Performance Goals
  4. Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine — Case Report: Sequential leadless pacing after battery depletion in a patient with recurrent device-related infection
  5. Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine — Preventing complications in cardiac pacemaker therapy: a lifecycle-based risk management framework
  6. Recycled Pacemakers May Offer Solution for Patients With Limited Access to Care
  7. Leadless Pacemaker-ICD Study Exceeds Safety and Performance Goals
  8. Case Report: Sequential leadless pacing after battery depletion in a patient with recurrent device-related infection
  9. 2026 HRS Expert Consensus Statement Update on Cardiovascular Implantable Electronic Device Lead Management and Extraction
  10. Safety and efficacy of leadless pacemakers: A systematic review and meta-analysis - PubMed
  11. Self-sustaining leadless intracardiac pacemaker powered by triboelectric nanogenerator | JoVE Visualize

Original Source(s)

Heartbeat-powered pacemaker may pave way for self-sustaining devices

  • by Andrea Surnit

  • August 24, 2026

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