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First Wireless Pacemaker implemented in U.S Patient

Posted by Adi in News on 08 11th, 2009 | no responses

Pacemakers have been around for years, and they aren’t the most ‘consumer friendly’ gadgets in the market, however, a new innovation by Medtronic, a key pacemaker and defibrillator producer, has changed that, at least to some extent. In July of 2009 the company’s new innovation, a wireless pacemaker, was FDA approved. After 20 years of depending on the traditional pacemaker, Kasyjanski became the first patient in the United States with a wireless pacemaker that accesses wifi networks to send vital data across to her physician. So what are the benefits of the device? Dr. Steven Greenberg believes it allows him to monitor his patients constantly and provide better feedback to them. Usually individuals with pacemakers planted have to go for constant checkups, the new device, however, makes this checkups less frequent and easier since much of the data the physician needs is already available. “On a larger scale it enhances our ability to pick up and evaluate any problems with their pacemaker and certain other rhythm disorders that could be potentially dangerous or life threatening in ways we really could not do before,” states Dr. Greenberg. Kasyjanski stated earlier that she also feels much safer with the device, knowing that her heart will always be under constant surveillance. “Years ago the problem was with my lead, it was nicked, and until I collapsed no one knew what the problem was, no tests would show what the problem was until I passed out,” she stated. Dr.Greenburg and colleagues believe that wireless technology can help monitor blood pressure, glucose levels, and other vital characteristics within their patients to make medicine safer and more efficient.

When first reading about the device it sounded great, but from personal experience I know that anything with a wireless frequency can be hacked. So after a little searching around I found that a group of researchers were able to hack the device and take control of a variety of vital functions. The tests were conducted in a lab experiment. The researchers were able to remotely control the pacemaker, giving them enough control to deliver jolts of electricity to the patient. They were also able to access medical information. While the research does show a possible danger to the wireless devices, large companies and health agencies around the globe had responded by explain there has never been a reported attack on any kind of surgically planted device like the pacemaker.