Quieter Pacemakers: New Materials Could Reduce headaches for patients
Researchers at the University of Tabriz in Iran are developing innovative materials that could lead to quieter pacemakers,possibly reducing headaches experienced by some patients.
The project began two years ago when a medical professional approached the university’s scientists with a puzzling problem: patients were reporting headaches after receiving pacemaker implants.
“We developed nanocomposites that have excellent mechanical properties adn can effectively reduce noise,” explains Baraa Chasib Mezher, a researcher at the university of Tabriz.”For pacemakers, we are interested in understanding how a material absorbs and disperses energy.”
The team focused on polypropylene,a common plastic,and enhanced it with a special type of clay called Montmorillonite and varying amounts of graphene,a remarkably strong and lightweight material. This resulted in five unique materials, each with different noise-dampening capabilities.
Using advanced scanning electron microscopy, the researchers meticulously examined the structure of these composite materials. They pinpointed key characteristics that influence noise absorption and signal transmission, including the density and distribution of the clay and graphene, as well as the size of pores within the material.
“Research groups are actively investigating ways to enhance the performance of pacemakers, and our team focuses specifically on the mechanical, thermal, and othre properties of these materials,” Mezher says.The team rigorously tested the signal-to-noise ratio of each material and how it performed under varying noise levels.They also explored the impact of material thickness on these performance measures.
“The focus of our ongoing work extends beyond simply identifying biocompatible materials for pacemakers; we aim to improve the connection between the generated signal source and the electrodes,” Mezher explains.”Our team is also focused on further developing biomaterials for use within the body, such as materials to enhance the performance of hearing aids.”
This research holds promise for improving the quality of life for pacemaker patients by minimizing discomfort and potentially leading to more effective treatment.
Quieter Pacemakers on the Horizon: New Materials Could Reduce Headaches
NewsDirectory3.com Exclusive Interview
Researchers at the University of Tabriz in Iran are pioneering a new era in pacemaker technology, focusing on quieter devices that could alleviate headaches experienced by some patients.
Initiated two years ago, this groundbreaking project stemmed from a concerning trend observed by medical professionals: patients were reporting headaches following pacemaker implantation.
“We developed nanocomposites that have excellent mechanical properties and can effectively reduce noise,” explains Baraa Chasib Mezher, a researcher at the University of Tabriz. “For pacemakers,we are interested in understanding how a material absorbs and disperses energy.”
The team’s innovative approach revolves around enhancing polypropylene,a common plastic,by incorporating Montmorillonite clay and varying amounts of graphene – a remarkably strong and lightweight material.This resulted in five unique materials, each with distinct noise-dampening capabilities.
Through meticulous analysis using advanced scanning electron microscopy, the researchers identified key structural characteristics influencing noise absorption and signal transmission. These include the density and distribution of the clay and graphene, as well as the size of pores within the material.
“Research groups are actively investigating ways to enhance the performance of pacemakers, and our team focuses specifically on the mechanical, thermal, and other properties of these materials,” Mezher says.
Extensive testing was conducted to assess the signal-to-noise ratio of each material under varying noise levels.
The research team also explored the impact of material thickness on these performance measures.
“The focus of our ongoing work extends beyond simply identifying biocompatible materials for pacemakers; we aim to improve the connection between the generated signal source and the electrodes,” Mezher explains. “Our team is also focused on further developing biomaterials for use within the body, such as materials to enhance the performance of hearing aids.”
This research offers hope for pacemaker patients, paving the way for more pleasant and potentially more effective treatment by minimizing discomfort caused by device noise.
