The Johns Hopkins Rechargeable Pacemaker: Historical Aspects

Several groups have attempted to develop a clinically usable rechargeable cardiac pacemaker. Because of the technical problems, of the 11 reported efforts, only one has met with success, the unit developed at the Johns Hopkins University. A brief review of rechargeable pacemakers is given, along with a discussion of technical problems that required solution before the rechargeable pacemaker could be used clinically. The rechargeable pacemaker, because of its small size, should minimize patient problems of discomfort, cosmesis, and skin erosion. The anticipated life of the rechargeable power cell should eliminate the need for pulse generator replacement during the patient's lifetime.