Wireless pacemakers improve quality of life

Pacemakers have been an important part of the medical scene for decades and, according to Engadget, they could be getting an overdue upgrade in the near future. Traditional pacemakers are implanted into a patient’s chest with wires leading from the battery-powered device into the heart itself. Although they are remarkably effective, patients often require minor surgery at certain points to replace wires and batteries as they degrade and pose an increased risk of infections and bleeding.

A new technology could allow the pacemaker to be powered by microwaves sent to the device from an external battery pack. In this way, one or several pacemakers can be implanted directly into the heart and would likely last much longer and cause fewer issues for the patient.  Having multiple devices also means that patients with more severe conditions will be eligible for the procedure.