Skip to main content Smithsonian Institution

Catalog Data

Maker:
Wilson Greatbatch LTD  Search this
Physical Description:
stainless steel (can material)
oak (case material)
brass (case material)
Measurements:
pacemaker: 7.5 cm x 5.1 cm x 1.6 cm; 2 15/16 in x 2 in x 5/8 in
case: 10 cm x 20.1 cm x 17.7 cm; 3 15/16 in x 7 29/32 in x 6 31/32 in
Object Name:
pacemaker
Place made:
United States: New York, New York
Date made:
about 1972
Description (Brief):
This is the inner casing of the first lithium battery for pacemakers. It is housed in a custom made oak case with a brass clasp, hinges, and a key. The rectangular brass plate on the lid is engraved "CPI's Lithium Demand Pacemaker c1973." Staff at Boston Scientific custom made the case. Knowing the pacemaker and case were being donated to the Smithsonian, the craftsmen found information on the web about how to make an "archival" box. The interior of the box has two foam platforms covered with acid-free paper. The bottom platform has a cut out to accommodate the pacemaker. A second platform is fitted to the interior of the lid. The oak box has been stained.
Cardiac Pacemaker Inc. (CPI) established in 1972 was the first company to manufacture a lithium-powered pacemaker. Prior to using lithium batteries, multiple mercury batteries were needed to power implantable pacemakers. The problem? The life of the mercury batteries were good for only about 18 to 24 months. People who relied on pacemakers to regulate their heart had to have their pacemakers replaced and undergo surgery every two to three years.
Location:
Currently not on view
Subject:
Cardiology  Search this
Surgery  Search this
Medicine  Search this
ID Number:
2017.0114.02
Accession number:
2017.0114
Catalog number:
2017.0114.02
Model number:
702
See more items in:
Medicine and Science: Medicine
Data Source:
National Museum of American History
GUID:
http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ng49ca746b3-28e3-704b-e053-15f76fa0b4fa
EDAN-URL:
edanmdm:nmah_1842988