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University Daily Kansan
Friday, May 7, 1965
K.U. Graduate Pioneers Heart Machine Work
By Linda Machin
Editor's Note: Linda Machin is a 1964 KU journalism graduate. She is presently associated with medical news for the journal of the American Medical Association (AMA).
A 1964 KU graduate is one of two biomedical engineering students who initiated development of a self-energizing, implantable device to regulate malfunctioning hearts.
The mechanism is called an auto-energizing cardiac pacemaker.
Harold Massia, 24, an August graduate of the KU school of engineering from Axtell, Kan., and Philippe Racine, 25, developed a
preliminary device at Drexel Institute of Technology, Philadelphia, in January of this year.
THE MASSIE-RACINE device then was taken to the Cardiovascular Research Institute at Hahnemann Medical College and Hospital. After extensive trials in dogs, their prototype of the miniaturized pacemaker was used successfully in two patients by mid-April.
The tiny, new, implantable pacemaker is still under development. It is unique because it draws electricity directly from the heart and immediately returns sufficient voltage to stimulate the heart, according to members of the two Philadelphia research teams.
IF THE PATIENT'S heart stops, the investigators have found that there is enough electricity in the dying tissues to generate the pacemaker, and in turn, "recharge the heart." Thus, a patient's life may be saved many times by energy from his own heart.
Battery-run pacemakers have been used before in persons with heart disorders. However, in approximately 40 per cent of these patients, surgery at a later time has been necessary to remove and/or replace the pacemakers because of battery failure or wire breakage. With the new type of
pacemaker, batteries and wires are not needed.
MASSIE EXPLAINED that he and Racine had learned from previously published data about the significant amount of electricity which can be obtained from body tissue by means of special electrodes.
The two graduate students then designed a transistorized electric pulse generator and combined it with the special electrodes to form the prototype of the pacemaker.
"This paved the way for its adaption to requirements of autoenergizing cardiac pacing and our clinical application," Dr. Victor Satinsky, Hahnemann Medical
College and Hospital, said in a formal scientific report at a medical meeting in Philadelphia.
RACINE ALSO spoke at the meeting on the joint-research. Later, when asked about his engineering training at KU, Massie commented, "I became interested in biomedical engineering during my last two semesters there, but I didn't have time for any projects in that field, then."
As an undergraduate, Massie was a member of Theta Tau, professional engineering fraternity, Eta Kappa Nu, honorary electrical engineering fraternity, and Student IEEE. His degree is a B.S. in electrical engineering.
More U.S. Millions Poured into Viet Nam
WASHINGTON—(UPI)President Johnson today signed the special $700 million appropriation to fight the war in Viet Nam and warned that U.S. willingness to talk peace should not be regarded as a symbol of cowardice.
"Until the aggressors have indicated their willingness to talk, we intend to press on," Johnson said as he signed the measure providing funds for new landing fields, planes, helicopters and expanded operations in Viet Nam.
"Our patience and determination are unending."
The President signed the measure at a White House ceremony attended by members of Congress. Congress approved the special appropriation as a vote of confidence in his Viet Nam policy within three days after he made the urgent request.
"THIS MONEY WILL be spent for arms, for weapons of war, for helicopters and ammunition and planes," the President said. "These we use not because we want war but because the aggressors have made them necessary."
Johnson promised that U.S. weapons would be put aside when peace comes—"and we hope it comes swiftly." He noted however, that the American offer of unconditional peace discussions in Southeast Asia had produced no response.
"For months we have waited for a sign, a signal, a whisper that our offer . . . has fallen on receptive ears," he said. "But not a sound has been heard. Not a signal has been sighted. Still we wait for a response. Still we are anxious for peace."
TODAY
Official Bulletin
Illustrated Lecture: Tuesday, May 11.
Prof. James E. Seaver, "Major Archaeological Activity in Israel-1964." Jayhawk Room, Union. All welcome.
Education and World Affairs, All Day. Kansas, Union.
Soil Mechanics and Foundation Engineering Conference, All Day. Kansas
TGIFF and General Meeting. St. Lawrences,
850 E. 26th Street, 100 p.m., mass.
hcm. dinner and meeting.
Friday Flicks, 7:00 and 9:30 p.m. Frasor Theater.
Hilbell Friday Night Services, 7.30 p.m.
Community Center, 917 Highland Drive
Pre-Cana Conference, 8:00 p.m.
Shape Shape, 11:30 a.m.
J Price, Goda Flap, 11:30 a.m.
Maria Marriage
SATURDAY
Catholic Mass, 6:45 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.
Saturday; Confessions: 4:50
p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Graduate Reading Exam in German;
9:30 p.m. 110 Fraser.
Ph.D. Reading Exam in French, 9:30 a.m. 11 Fraser.
Education and World Affairs, All Day. Kansas, Union.
Kansas UniFil
Kansas Audio-Visual Communications
Choir Practice, 1.00 p.m. St. Lawrence
Student Center, All are welcome.
SUNDAY
Quaker Meeting for Worship, 10:30 a.m.
Cemetery meeting welcomes visitors.
Dantworth, Chapel.
Carillon Recital, 3:00 p.m. Albert Gerken.
Concert Choir, 3:30 p.m. University Theatre.
Newman Forum Lecture, 8:00 p.m.
Father Emeric Fletcher, St. Benedict's College,
"Vatican Council II Faces the Future."
Former Room, Kansas Union.
Easton to Remain Here As Physical Educator
Bill Easton, former KU track coach, has decided to stay at KU as a professor of physical education, instead of seeking a job as track coach at some other institution.
Easton, who was dismissed April 20, said, "I announced my decision that I would remain at KU several days ago."
However, the news was first mentioned in newspapers and in radio broadcasts today.
Easton, who has been KU track coach for 18 years, was fired by Wade Stinson, athletic director, after a disagreement over policy. Since then, there have been many protests from students and alumni over his dismissal.
During his stay at KU, Easton has developed many outstanding athletes and his teams have won two national championships and 11 Big Eight Championships.
Easton said he had so many good friends at KU and in Lawrence that he preferred to live here rather than move to another location.
Easton's place as head track coach will be taken by Bob Timmons, who was his assistant. Timmons had accepted the head track coach position at Oregon State, but then decided to accept the KU position.