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.
Rick Good spent ten years in the newspaper business, including with The News & Observer (Raleigh, NC) and The Greenville News (Greenville, SC). He co-wrote, with Melinda Coleman, Rutledge to Riley: Governors of South Carolina, 1776–Present (Published by The Greenville News), and is the author of Mind Games Trivia #1 (Amazon). He has recently spent 15 years creating original trivia content through Sounds Good Mobile Entertainment and continues that with his new company, SGME Software. He edits The Smart Reader’s money, real estate, and business coverage.