Light-activated graphene tattoo shows promise in treating heart rhythm disorders

 This article outlines the development of the first cardiac implant made from graphene, which is thinner than a single strand of hair yet still functions like a classical pacemaker. It melds softly to the heart to simultaneously sense and treat irregular heartbeats, making it ideal for conforming to soft, dynamic tissues.


The heart is essentially a pump made of muscle, which is controlled by electrical signals. When these signals can become disrupted for several reasons, it can lead to a number of potentially dangerous heart conditions, such as cardiac arrest.

Traditionally, a pacemaker can solve a disrupted heartbeat. It consists of a pulse generator, which emits electrical impulses through the wires to your heart. If the pacemaker senses that your heart has missed a beat or is beating too slowly, it sends signals at a steady rate.

However, new research suggests that a new implant can replace the traditional pacemaker.

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