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The why, what, how and when of biological pacemakers

Nature Clinical Practice Cardiovascular Medicine volume 2, pages 374–375 (2005)Cite this article

In this viewpoint, we focus on the rapidly evolving field of biological pacemakers. We will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each approach developed so far, the issues that need to be confronted before clinical use, and the long-term prognosis for the field.

Why create a biological pacemaker? Electronic pacemakers are lifesaving devices that provide a regular heartbeat in settings where the sinoatrial node, atrioventricular conduction or both have failed. They require regular maintenance, however, including the replacement of batteries and leads, and do not readily respond to the demands of exercise and emotion. Furthermore, recent evidence suggests that long-term pacing could increase the risk of heart failure.1 Additional problems are seen in pediatric patients whose body mass and growth impact on power pack and lead selection. So, although electronic pacemakers represent superb medical palliation, they are not a cure.2

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Acknowledgements

The research was in part supported by the Guidant Corporation.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute of Molecular Cardiology,

    Ira S Cohen & Peter R Brink

  2. Department of Physiology and Biophysics, at Stony Brook University, NY, USA

    Ira S Cohen & Peter R Brink

  3. Center for Molecular Therapeutics,

    Richard B Robinson & Michael R Rosen

  4. Center for Molecular Therapeutics at Columbia University, NY, USA

    Richard B Robinson & Michael R Rosen

Authors
  1. Ira S Cohen
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  2. Peter R Brink
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  3. Richard B Robinson
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  4. Michael R Rosen
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Ira S Cohen.

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Competing interests

The research was in part supported by the Guidant Corporation.

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Cohen, I., Brink, P., Robinson, R. et al. The why, what, how and when of biological pacemakers. Nat Rev Cardiol 2, 374–375 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1038/ncpcardio0276

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