Pacemaker: Batteries Not Needed Stephen Fung December 24, 2006 The typical life of a pacemaker is about seven to ten years before surgery is required to replace the battery. With the help of a government sponsored program in the UK, this may no longer be necessary. According to the article “The new device would use a microgenerator producing electricity every time the patient moves.” Sort of like the perpetual winding of a ROLEX watch. Without the need for surgery every few years, heart patients could really improve their quality of life. Source: BBC News Share This With The World!