Radioisotope Powered Cardiac Pacemakers.

Over 100,000 implantable cardiac pacemakers are currently being used to rehabilitate patients with heart block. The chemical batteries powering these pacemakers usually fail within a few years. A variety of nuclear batteries with the potential of providing long-lived (10-20 years) pacemaker power, are under development. This paper reviews the status of this development. Nuclear powered pacemakers have reached the stage of clinical evaluation. Their cost, although initially high, is not prohibitive. In our institution, third party insurance carriers have assumed their cost. The primary concern of widespread application is the maintenance of fuel capsule integrity under all credible conditions.