Nuclear-Powered Pacemakers: Radioactive Medical Devices

In the 1960s and 1970s, nuclear-powered cardiac pacemakers were utilized, containing a small amount of plutonium encased in epoxy and titanium to withstand gunshots or cremation. As of 2003, over 50 individuals still had such pacemakers. If discovered by a coroner, the pacemaker is supposed to be returned to Los Alamos for proper disposal.