Cardiac pacemaker, Birmingham, England, 1960-1970

Made:
1960-1970 in Birmingham
designer:
Joseph Lucas Limited
Cardiac pacemaker, induction type

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Cardiac pacemaker, induction type
Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Cardiac pacemaker, induction type, comprises power unit and two induction coils, by Joseph Lucas of Birmingham in conjunction with Queen Elizabeth Hospital, 1960-1970

Before implantable pacemakers were developed that contained batteries, attempts were made to power them from outside the chest. This induction-type cardiac pacemaker has a power unit and two induction coils. The battery and the coil are carried by the patient. It was made by Joseph Lucas of Birmingham, an engineering company with Queen Elizabeth Hospital. The rate of electrical output was increased or decreased using a simple adjustable switch. One million people worldwide are now fitted with pacemakers.

Details

Category:
Therapeutics
Collection:
Sir Henry Wellcome's Museum Collection
Object Number:
A600973
Materials:
bakelite, plastic, copper, rubber (unidentified) and complete
Measurements:
overall: 40 mm x 93 mm x 70 mm, 0.452kg
type:
cardiac pacemaker
credit:
Besterman, E.