During the Cold War aerospace and defense electronics firms occasionally attempted to apply their expertise to commercial products. In the early 1970s, General Electric applied its expertise in a special area of electronic miniaturization called "thick film hybrid integrated circuits" (originally developed for use in missiles and satellites) to help improve the first generation of cardiac pacemakers.
This collection of artifacts represents the development and manufacturing process of building a pacemaker. The micro-electronics (thick film hybrid integrated circuits) were placed inside the metal casings, which were then hermetically sealed. These circuits were the key technology of the pacemaker, sensing heart rhythms and sending out signals to stimulate the heart when needed during abnormal activity.
Lockheed Martin donated these artifacts to the Museum in 1998.
Display Status
This object is not on display at the National Air and Space Museum. It is either on loan or in storage.
Object Details
Country of Origin
United States of America
Type
EQUIPMENT-Medical
Manufacturer
General Electric Space Systems Division
Dimensions
3-D: 1.9 x 1.3 x 1cm (3/4 x 1/2 x 3/8 in.)
Materials
Aluminum, epoxy, alumina, steel, gold
Inventory Number
A19980308006
Credit Line
Gift of Lockheed Martin
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
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