Smaller than grain of rice...the world's tiniest pacemaker

Miniature marvel could save babies' lives

- By Stephen Beech

THE world's smallest pacemaker could be a lifesaver for babies born with heart defects, scientists say.

Tinier than a grain of rice, the amazing device can be implanted non-invasively through the tip of a syringe. And when no longer needed, it simply dissolves.

The US-engineered pacemaker just 1.8mm wide, 3.5mm long and 1mm thick works with hearts of all sizes, but it is particularly well suited to the tiny, fragile hearts of newborns.

Now its creators from Northwestern University, Illinois, say the technology opens other possibilities, including helping nerves and bones heal, treating wounds and blocking pain.

Designed for patients who need only temporary pacing, it is paired with a small flexible wireless device mounted on to a patient's chest.

When it detects an irregular heartbeat, it automatically shines a light pulse to activate the pacemaker. Short pulses then control the pacing. The