Can a wearable ultrasound sticker eliminate the need for surgical pacemakers? Researchers have proved the method of controlling heart rhythm externally.
Researchers at MIT have developed a noninvasive pacemaker that uses focused ultrasound waves to regulate and stabilize heart rhythm without the need for surgical implants.
Instead of being placed inside the body like traditional pacemakers, the system is designed as a small wearable sticker that adheres to the chest. This device contains tiny ultrasound transducers that send controlled pulses through the skin and tissue to reach the heart. These waves interact with heart cells and activate specific ion channels, allowing calcium ions to enter the cells and trigger coordinated contractions that help maintain a steady heartbeat.
The researchers used a technique known as sonogenetics, which genetically enhances heart cells so they respond more strongly to ultrasound stimulation. In laboratory experiments, engineered human cardiac cells beat in sync with ultrasound signals, while unmodified cells showed significantly weaker responses.
The team also tested the system in animal models. In rat experiments, the ultrasound sticker was able to quickly correct irregular heart rhythms and restore normal cardiac function. The device successfully increased slow heart rates and stabilized arrhythmias without invasive procedures or direct contact with the heart.
The prototype system consists of two main parts, a postage stamp sized wearable sticker placed on the chest and a compact external unit that provides power and controls ultrasound delivery. The hydrogel based sticker ensures efficient transmission of ultrasound waves while maintaining strong skin adhesion.
Researchers suggest that future clinical use could involve a one time gene therapy injection to make heart cells more responsive to ultrasound, enabling long term noninvasive pacing without implanted hardware.
While still in early development, the technology represents a major step toward external, wearable cardiac devices that could reduce surgical risks and expand access to heart rhythm management in the future.
Xuanhe Zhao, professor of mechanical engineering and civil and environmental engineering at MIT, says, “We believe you could one day have stickers over different parts of the body that could do long-term imaging, monitoring, and closed-loop therapeutic stimulation.”
