Man Given New Type of Atomic Pacemaker
The first patient to receive a nuclear-powered pacemaker that controls both chambers of the heart said Thursday that he feels good “but a little weak.”
The device, which weighs about two ounces and is powered by plutonium 238, was implanted in the chest of John Sniffen, 47, of Clifton, N. J., in a 90-minute operation Tuesday at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center. The cigarette lighter-size pacemaker is expected to last for 20 to 40 years.
“I feel good but a little weak from the operation,” said Sniffen, flashing a smile for reporters. “I am not worried about the device. You can get more radiation flying in an airplane than you do with this in your body.”
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
