The algorithm enables doctors to work out which pacemaker functions are likely to use the most battery power. Depending on the individual patient's needs, some of these may be switched off, thereby conserving battery life.

The research team used available data from pacemaker user manuals to calculate how much battery power each option used. Computer modelling was used to simulate the impact of switching on only the functions necessary for different health conditions. The modelling was verified against real-life patient data.

The results demonstrated which of the features used the most power; how they affected the longevity of the battery, and how many years of battery power could be gained by deactivating them.

A research paper, titled ‘Cardiac implantable electronic devices' longevity: A novel modelling tool for estimation and comparison', is published in the journal PLOS One. It has been made available via open access by the University of Leeds so doctors everywhere can access the modelling tool freely and use it to inform their clinical practice.

Dr Klaus Witte, senior lecturer and consultant cardiologist in Leeds' School of Medicine and at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, said: ‘This is the first step towards helping doctors to decide which pacemaker to choose and which program to activate, to provide the patient with the device and battery life that they need.

'This will hopefully delay battery replacements or maybe avoid them altogether - which is good for patients, the NHS and wider society as a whole.'

Professor Pascal Defaye, of Université Grenoble Alpes and University Hospital of Grenoble-Alpes, added: ‘This is a unique approach based upon real life data and allows direct comparisons between devices, options and manufacturers.'