Pacemaker gives 40-Year Gift of Life

On October 8, 1958, a Swedish man named Arne Larsson received the first implantable pacemaker, which used only two transistors and was the size of a hockey puck. Since then, pacing technology has evolved dramatically and helped millions of people live longer, healthier lives. Today's pacemakers incorporate aerospace and computer technology, feature advanced circuitry and sensor capabilities, and contain up to 500,000 transistors. And they can be as small as a U.S. half-dollar.

Arne Larsson enjoyed a full life, visiting his family and traveling with his wife Else-Marie, until his death late on December 28, 2001 at the age of 86. At the time of his death, Larsson had received 26 pacemakers over a period of 43 years. The Larsson's role in medical technology history has benefited millions of patients who suffer from bradyarrhythmia or a slow heart rate.