Alireza Rezaniakolaei

Perpetual Energy Harvester for Autonomous Cardiac Pacemakers

From left to right: Alireza Rezaniakolaei, Kjeld Pedersen and Sam Riahi.

Applicant

Alireza Rezaniakolaei


Project description

Approximately 1 million new pacemakers are implanted worldwide annually. The average battery lifespan of a pacemaker is 6-10 years and hence many patients undergo replacement surgeries each year. In this project, a novel and generic energy harvester will be developed allowing for the permanent implantation of pacemakers and hence avoid replacement costs, inconvenience for patients, and infection risk. The energy harvesting mechanism produces electrical power from motion of the heart muscle contractions to ensure life-lasting self-powered pacemakers. By combining the expertise of a high-level energy researchers and a leading cardiologist, this project promises a better life for patients needing arrhythmias treatment.


Institution

Aalborg University