A Portable Miniature Transistorized Radio-Frequency Coupled Cardiac Pacemaker

Abstract

A miniature, transistorized radio-frequency-coupled cardiac pacemaker was developed to eliminate wires penetrating the skin when electrodes are placed on the heart to drive it. The design also eliminates the need for totally implanting a pacemaker with its batteries. The stimulating impulse is transmitted via amplitude modulation to a tuned circuit and detector assembly implanted below the skin. The output of the detector is connected to electrodes directly on the heart, making external control of the heart rate possible. In operation, the pacemaker transmitter is placed on the surface of the body above the receiver implant. The size of the unit is 4×13/4 ×13/2 inches. It weighs three ounces.