A Transient, Closed-Loop Network of Wireless, Body-Integrated Devices for Autonomous Electrotherapy

Traditional systems for the care of cardiac patients involve expensive, complex collections of wired hardware for continuous monitoring and autonomous treatment of temporary heart disorders, applicable only in hospital settings. The work described here and in a recent publication demonstrates an alternative approach that exploits a collection of small wireless wearables for monitoring cardiac activity and delivering cardiac stimulation only when necessary, through an implanted, bioresorbable, battery-free pacemaker. Additional skin-interfaced devices provide haptic feedback to the patient on their cardiopulmonary health and the operational status of the system. The resulting technology reduces health risks for patients, eliminates constraints on their mobility, allows for their early release from the hospital and reduces the overall costs of care. Adapted versions of these closed-loop platforms may have applications across a range of other temporary patient conditions, including those associated with acute pain, peripheral nerve injury and surgical site infections.