Internal Pacemaker

Institution:

Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, the University at Buffalo

Researchers:

Wilson Greatbatch, University at Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences adjunct professor of engineering

Impact:

Greatbatch created the first successful implantable pulse generator—and the lithium battery used to extend its longevity. His device has improved and saved the lives of millions of people with heart disease worldwide. That’s why the National Society of Professional Engineers named it one of the 10 greatest engineering contributions to society of the last 50 years.

Timeline:

In 1960, the first Greatbatch pacemaker was implanted in a human patient.