About Wilson Greatbatch

Wilson Greatbatch was an American engineer and inventor best known for inventing the implantable cardiac pacemaker, a groundbreaking medical device that has saved millions of lives. Born in Buffalo, New York, in 1919, Greatbatch made significant contributions to both the medical and engineering communities, particularly through his work in Western New York.

Medical Contributions

Wilson Greatbatch’s medical innovation was the invention of the implantable cardiac pacemaker, a revolutionary device that helps regulate the heartbeat in patients with irregular or slow heart rhythms (bradycardia). This invention transformed modern cardiology and has saved millions of lives worldwide.

How the Innovation Happened:

In 1958, while working on a device to record heart sounds, Greatbatch accidentally installed the wrong resistor into a circuit. Instead of recording, the circuit emitted intermittent electrical pulses—mimicking the rhythm of a human heartbeat. Realizing its potential, he refined the design into a device that could send timed electrical impulses to stimulate the heart.

• First Implantable Pacemaker:
  Prior to his invention, pacemakers were large, external devices connected to patients by wires—impractical and often unreliable. Greatbatch’s design was small and could be implanted directly into the body, making it much more effective and improving patients’ quality of life.
• Reliable Power Source:
  Greatbatch later helped develop lithium-iodide batteries specifically for pacemakers, dramatically increasing their reliability and lifespan, allowing patients to live active, normal lives for many years without frequent surgeries to replace the battery.
• Collaboration with Surgeons:
  In 1960, the first human implantation of his pacemaker took place. Greatbatch collaborated with surgeons like Dr. William Chardack and Dr. Andrew Gage to test and successfully implant the device in patients.
• Lifesaving Technology:
  The implantable pacemaker became one of the most important medical innovations of the 20th century. Millions of people with heart conditions now live longer, healthier lives because of it.
• Foundation for Modern Devices:
  Greatbatch’s invention laid the groundwork for today’s advanced cardiac devices, including defibrillators and combination pacemakers.

Philanthropy

Wilson Greatbatch was not only an inventor but also a generous philanthropist who believed deeply in giving back to his community and supporting the next generation of innovators. Throughout his life, he donated both time and resources to educational and scientific institutions, particularly in Western New York. He maintained a strong relationship with the University at Buffalo, supporting research initiatives and mentoring students in engineering and medical fields. Greatbatch also invested in programs that promoted science and technology education for young people, aiming to inspire future inventors. Beyond education, he supported local charities and initiatives focused on health, sustainability, and community development. His philanthropy reflected his belief that science should serve humanity—not just through inventions, but through empowering others to create meaningful change.

Wilson Greatbatch Ltd.

In 1970, Wilson Greatbatch founded Wilson Greatbatch Ltd. (WGL) in Clarence, New York, as a way to continue advancing medical technology—particularly by developing long-lasting, reliable power sources for implantable devices like pacemakers. After inventing the implantable cardiac pacemaker, Greatbatch realized that one of the biggest challenges was finding a battery that could safely and effectively power the device inside the human body for many years. His company focused on solving this problem and became a leader in producing lithium-iodide batteries, which significantly extended the lifespan of pacemakers and improved patient outcomes. WGL not only supplied these advanced batteries worldwide but also helped establish Western New York as a hub for biomedical innovation. The company created high-tech jobs, supported local research, and played a critical role in the global medical device industry. Over time, WGL evolved and was eventually acquired, becoming part of Integer Holdings Corporation, but it all began with Greatbatch’s vision to combine innovation with practical solutions to improve human health.

Lasting Impact for the Medical Community

Wilson Greatbatch left a profound and lasting impact on the medical community through his invention of the implantable cardiac pacemaker and his continued dedication to advancing biomedical technology. His work fundamentally changed the way doctors manage heart rhythm disorders, transforming a once-deadly condition into one that could be effectively treated with a small, life-sustaining device. The pacemaker has since saved and improved millions of lives around the world, and its development paved the way for other implantable medical technologies, such as defibrillators and neurostimulators. Greatbatch’s innovations also set new standards for the safety, reliability, and longevity of medical implants, particularly through his contributions to battery technology. Beyond his inventions, he inspired a culture of collaboration between engineers, doctors, and researchers, emphasizing the importance of cross-disciplinary innovation in healthcare. His legacy lives on in every pacemaker implanted today and continues to influence the future of medical technology, education, and patient care.