Scientists have created a new electronic membrane that could in the future replace pacemakers as the membrane is fitted over the heart to keep it beating regularly for a indefinite period of time.

The device resembles a spider web like structure with sensors and electrodes attached around it which continually monitor the hearts activity and if there is a change it can give a small electric shock to maintain heart rate.

Researchers used computers to model a prototype of the device and once they were happy with the design they used a 3D printer to make a working prototype. Once this was created they attached the device to a rabbit’s heart which kept the organ operating perfectly. The mould fitted perfectly to the animal as a 3D scan was carried out and they made the mould to fit its heart exactly.

This device has more benefits than the current pace makers as the membrane is custom made so it will fit the heart of the individual exactly, whereas current pacemakers today aren’t custom made.

 A device that is somewhat similar is the Cardiac Sock which was invented in the 1980’s but they lacked quality as the fabric made it difficult to keep the sensors in full contact with the heart at all times.

The new electric glove device was developed by John Roger who is a materials scientist. John Rogers used the same material that was found in normal electronics such as silicon the only thing he changed was laying the circuit out in a curved s-shape so that the circuit had room to stretch without bending and breaking.

At the minute the device will only be used as a research tool that will allow scientists to study the heart in greater depth, for example they will be able to monitor how the heart changes in different conditions etc. It is not known if the device will be used in the near future but if the success continues it is a possibility.