SU-8 C-MEMS as candidate for long-term implantable pacemaker micro electrodes

This paper presents the first successful implantation of electrically conductive SU-8 C-MEMS electrodes able to pace muscle tissue in an animal model. The electrochemical characterizations of the ceramic electrodes show comparable values to state of the art platinum (Pt) metal electrodes. The micro-fabricated pacemaker electrodes were successfully tested in vitro (cardiomyocyte), in vivo (rat peripheral muscle) and ex vivo (explanted rat heart) pacing experiments. Short term C-MEMS implantation assays show lower levels of fibrosis compared to conventional electrodes.