Heart surgeons implant miracle pacemaker the size of a grain of rice

One of the tiniest pacemakers ever created has been placed by cardiac surgeons; it is about the size of a rice grain. The new tiny pacemaker has a 20-year potential lifespan and is only 10 mm long. A typical pacemaker lasts six to ten years and measures 38 mm in length.
Prof Paul Roberts, the consultant cardiologist who carried out the operation at Southampton University Hospital, said: “This pacemaker is a significant advancement in patient care. “It is anticipated in the near future we will be able to implant a second device in selected patients which means a larger group of people may benefit from this technology.”
More than 1.5 million Brits with heart rhythm disorders benefit from pacemakers, which assist control their heartbeats.
In order to deliver electric shocks and quicken the pulse, the device attaches itself to the heart and senses rhythms. Retired contract manager Graham, who was diagnosed with bradycardia during a GP check-up, went home two days after his operation.
He said: “I feel better than I have in months. I feel very lucky to be the first patient in Southampton to be fitted with this new device and I’m so grateful to the team - they have saved my life.”