Lab Members Develop the First Dissolvable Heart Monitor and Pacer

Members of the Efimov lab have been working in a team of Northwestern and George Washington scientists, who took a big step towards revolutionizing how patients are monitored and treated after major cardiac events, unveiling the first dissolvable cardiac mapping and pacing device.

The flexible, transparent, postage stamp-sized device attaches to the surface of the heart and uses sensors and actuators to assess cardiac activity, stream info to monitoring clinicians, and deliver treatments, before dissolving into the body “similar to absorbable stitches” after six weeks.