Wearable ultrasound pacemaker uses engineered channels to noninvasively pace the heart
Ateam reports a wearable non-invasive ultrasound pacemaker (NUP) that activates engineered mechanosensitive channels (MscL-G22S) in cardiomyocytes to pace the heart. In vitro studies show synchronized calcium signaling; in vivo rat experiments demonstrate precise, non-invasive pacing (<1 mm) with controllable frequencies up to 9 Hz across heart chambers, restoring sinus rhythm in arrhythmia models. Long-term wearability and safety were evaluated in rats over 8 months, with translational potential shown in ex vivo porcine models. The system uses imaging-guided focused ultrasound and compact wearable hardware, offering a promising non-surgical alternative to traditional pacemakers, though human safety and clinical validation remain forthcoming.
