Future technology

Current pacemakers can't do much about Afib, VTach, or the like because they can't slow down or eliminate errant heart beats. The only exception is the ICD which can shock the ventricles back into a normal rhythm.

I read an article in one of my engineering publications about work being done on sophisticated next generation pacemakers that can detect very small signals in the heart wall that signal the lead up to an arrhythmia . The idea is to then insert accurately timed pacing pulses that disrupt the development of the arrhythmia. The technology is likely a few years off, but could certainly be an advantage over the current approaches of oblation and drugs.

frank

1 Comments

Hoping

by hotform - 2008-03-18 02:03:16

I am hoping that by the time mine needs replaced in 9 years they have this technology ready to go and it can take care of my afib and I can give up the medication. Rick

You know you're wired when...

You have a $50,000 chest.

Member Quotes

The experience of having a couple of lengths of wire fed into your heart muscle and an electronic 'box' tucked under the skin is not an insignificant event, but you will survive.