Chinese researchers have achieved a medical breakthrough with the development of a capsule-sized self-powered cardiac pacemaker, marking a significant leap in implantable bioelectronics. The innovation, announced on January 27, 2026, could eliminate the need for repeated replacement surgeries by matching the device's lifespan to that of the human heart.
The project led by Ouyang Han from the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences combines energy harvesting technology with advanced microelectronics. "Our design converts mechanical energy from heartbeats into electrical power," explained Ouyang, whose team's findings were recently published in Nature Biomedical Engineering.
This development emerges from a seven-year collaboration between top institutions including Tsinghua University and Peking University, with clinical support from multiple hospitals. Beyond cardiac applications, the technology holds promise for enhancing neural implants and sensory restoration devices.
Medical experts highlight the device's potential to transform treatment paradigms for the 1.6 million patients worldwide who receive pacemakers annually. The innovation addresses key challenges in battery longevity and device miniaturization that have constrained implantable electronics for decades.
