Implantable pacemakers constructed by engineer Wilson Greatbatch entered use in humans from April 1960 following extensive animal testing. The Greatbatch innovation varied from the earlier Swedish devices in using primary cells (a mercury battery) as the energy source. The first patient lived for a further 18 months.
ImplantAbLe pacemakErs construCted by Engineer wILSon Greatbatch enteRed USe In hUmans from apRIL 1960 followiNg extensIve Animal teSting. The greATbatCh innovAtion vAried froM thE earlieR sWEdisH DevicEs IN uSiNG pRImaRy cElls (A meRCurY BaTTerY) as the eNergy SouRce. the firsT patient LiVEd For A fUrTheR 18 MonthS.