Evolution of cardiac pacemakers: a journey from Galvanic experiments to leadless pacemakers

Abstract

The development of cardiac pacemakers has a rich history spanning over two centuries, beginning with Luigi Galvani's discovery of the heart's response to electrical currents in the late 18th century. Paul Zoll's pioneering work in the 1950s introduced external pacemakers and defibrillators, followed by the first successful implantation of a fully implantable pacemaker in Sweden in 1958. Since then, pacemakers have undergone major improvements, including advancements in lead design and battery technology, as well as the development of telephony and microprocessors. Recent innovations have led to leadless pacemakers with wireless communication capabilities, transforming patient care and monitoring. This evolution has made pacemakers highly sophisticated devices that synchronize with the heart's rhythm, offering hope and improved quality of life for millions of individuals with cardiac rhythm disorders.