Remote control of the heart and beyond

Abstract

A resorbable closed-loop sensor-actuator implant can temporarily control heart rate

External and internal electrical pacing of the heart are fundamental interventions in patients with cardiovascular disease ( 1 ). Recently, wearables, such as the Apple Watch and Fitbit devices, have been introduced to the consumer market to monitor key bodily functions such as heart rate and rhythm, blood oxygenation, blood pressure, and body temperature ( 2 ). On page 1006 of this issue, Choi et al. ( 3 ) go beyond sensing by reporting a resorbable closed-loop sensor-actuator (see the figure), with the eventual aim of controlling heart function in patients with a postsurgical risk of bradycardia (slow heart rate). This technology is wireless, circumventing common shortcomings of implanted devices, such as drive-line infections or the need for surgical procedures to remove or replace, for example, pacemaker leads or batteries. The demonstrated cardiac application of this technology in rats, dogs, and ex vivo human heart preparations could improve outpatient surveillance, allowing for earlier release from the hospital and remote monitoring of patients living in medically underserved areas.