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Date of Award

Summer 2025

Degree Name

Master of Medical Science (Physician Assistant)

Department

Physician Assistant; College of Health Sciences

First Advisor

Kelly Moss

Second Advisor

Michelle Thal

Third Advisor

Kevin Basile

Abstract

Currently, all pacemaker batteries have a lifespan. Most are, on average, 10 years, but some can operate as long as 15 years before they need replacement. The act of replacing a pacemaker battery requires the patient be anesthetized and artificially paced in an operating-room setting. The major risk that this poses is that many patients who have pacemakers are elderly and/or high-risk patients with high mortality rates for what is supposed to be an otherwise simple procedure. The way to eliminate this mortality risk is through eliminating the need for surgery altogether, through implementation of rechargeable pacemakers. There is preliminary research in current medical literature that suggests concepts such as thermal energy recharging via body heat, or mag-safe style charging that hovers over the skin where the implant is, similar to current Apple iPhone charging technology. However, no clinical trials have begun yet to test these theories. This CME will summarize and explore current research in rechargeable pacemaker technology, as well as surmise how it might come into the market.

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My Heart Will Go On: A Look into Rechargeable Pacemaker Technology

Currently, all pacemaker batteries have a lifespan. Most are, on average, 10 years, but some can operate as long as 15 years before they need replacement. The act of replacing a pacemaker battery requires the patient be anesthetized and artificially paced in an operating-room setting. The major risk that this poses is that many patients who have pacemakers are elderly and/or high-risk patients with high mortality rates for what is supposed to be an otherwise simple procedure. The way to eliminate this mortality risk is through eliminating the need for surgery altogether, through implementation of rechargeable pacemakers. There is preliminary research in current medical literature that suggests concepts such as thermal energy recharging via body heat, or mag-safe style charging that hovers over the skin where the implant is, similar to current Apple iPhone charging technology. However, no clinical trials have begun yet to test these theories. This CME will summarize and explore current research in rechargeable pacemaker technology, as well as surmise how it might come into the market.