Hydropace: advancing conventional pacemakers by implementing hydrogel-based electrodes and cardiac health monitoring system

Abstract

The rising prevalence of cardiac disorders, coupled with the limitations of conventional pacemakers such as rigidity, short lifespan, repeated surgical interventions and risk of complications, have created the need for innovative biomedical devices. This research work examines the feasibility of improving the functionalities of conventional pacemakers by replacing certain traditional methods with novel solutions. This comprises the implementations of hydrogel-based electrodes and sensor heads that integrate flexibility, biocompatibility, and multifunctional sensing capabilities. The proposed design incorporates hydrogel as a soft and conductive medium to enable seamless integration with cardiac tissue, while supporting embedded sensor heads made with hydrogel for ECG, temperature, and biochemical/biomarker level monitoring. The HydroPace system also includes energy harvesting and wireless communication modules to enhance device longevity and minimize the need for invasive replacements. The primary objective of this study is to design and prototype a system that not only maintains effective pacing for patients with arrhythmia but also ensures improved diagnostic accuracy and enhanced patient safety. By addressing both the engineering and biomedical constraints, this research aims to contribute to the advancement of sustainable, accessible, and next-generation cardiac care technologies.