Key Events in the Evolution of Implantable Pacemaker Batteries

The successful development of implantable cardiac pacemakers has been facilitated by the merging of the relevant technologies in electronics and power sources. The mercury/zinc oxide battery was a key component in the initial development of implantable pulse generators and that battery system is closely associated with the name of Dr. Samuel Ruben (Fig. 1). Subsequently, the lithium/iodine battery was developed for hermetically sealed, longer-lived pulse generators, and this development has been closely associated with the name of Dr. Wilson Greatbatch (Fig. 2). Both of these men are recognized as outstanding inventors and have been creative in a number of technologies.