Pacemakers will replace implanted carbon fibers (3 photos)

Heart rate support reliably providedimplanted pacemakers. However, this technique requires regular prophylaxis and replacement of batteries, which requires additional operations. American scientists offer a fundamentally new technology that allows the implantation of carbon fibers that normalize the functioning of the heart muscles.

Cardiac activity is regulated bymuscle electrical signals. However, if the signal transmission system is damaged, a malfunction in the heart rhythm occurs, the restoration of which is currently assigned to implantable pacemakers or special medications.

A group of scientists from Rice University and Texasheart institutes are developing a fundamentally different method. Carbon fibers of small thickness are implanted into the damaged heart muscles, which restore the electrical circuit, ensuring the rhythmic functioning of the heart. Implantable fibers are tens of millions of nanotubes capable of transmitting an electrical signal. Outside, the fibers are coated with polymers.

During the test tests were eliminatedproblems with heart rate, and the fibers provided the electrical circuit of the heart for several months. When the carbon fibers were removed at the end of the experiment, the heart rate problem returned.

The most promising this technique in the treatmentventricular arrhythmias that occur after a heart attack and heart failure. The disease manifests itself in the form of random pulses in the lower part of the heart.

Currently, scientists are working on the problem of safe implantation of fibers in the human heart, and also select the optimal thickness and length of the fibers.

Source: newatlas