New Zealand researchers have developed the world's first natural pacemaker

The new alternative works with the body's respiration, to mimic the heart's natural rhythm.

It was first trialled in sheep, whose heart functions are similar to humans, and saw their exercise and recovery improve.

It was successfully trialled with a Waikato patient last November - with trials now expanding to parts of the UK and Australia.

Auckland University Professor Julian Paton says the new option will be the preferred choice.

He says the pacemaker's producing somewhere between three and three and a half times better effect on the heart, than current pacemakers.