Heart Sock Could Replace Pacemakers

Feb-28-14 Stretchable, wearable electronics have entered a new domain with the development of the heart sock, a silicone sheath able to cover the entire heart that could eventually replace pacemakers.

Created by John Rodgers and team from the University of Illinois, the ‘sock’ is equipped with 68 sensors able to monitor temperature, pH levels and electrical activity of the organ. The test sock was first fitted over a 3D model of a rabbit’s heart, and then carefully fit on a real, beating rabbit heart located outside the animal’s body. Getting a perfect fit is key, because too much pressure from the device can disrupt the heart’s natural heartbeat.

Because the sock completely covers the organ, equipping it with the proper electrodes could allow it to be used instead of pacemakers. The team is also looking into ways to make the sock and electronics dissolve when the implant is no longer needed, although the more immediate hurdle is how to power the device.

More Info about this Invention:

[NEWSCIENTIST.COM]
[ROGERS RESEARCH GROUP]

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