Origins of the implantable cardiac pacemaker.

The history of the implantable cardiac pacemaker is traced from its conception in 1951, through its development and animal trials in 1958, to its successful implantation in 10 patients in 1960, and on to its commercial realization. From the first 10 patients in 1960, usage has increased to more than 300,000 new pacemakers implanted worldwide in 1989.