New implantable device effective in resistant hypertension

P. de Leeuw, the Netherlands

In patients with resistant hypertension, despite combination treatment, a new investigational device that electrically stimulates the body’s natural pressure-regulating sensors seems effective in reducing blood pressure. The results of this feasibility trial were presented by Dr. Peter de Leeuwand [Presentation Number: 2406-3] at the 56th Annual Scientific Sessions of the American College of Cardiology, held in New Orleans from March 24-27, 2007.
At 6 months, a blood pressure reduction of 21/16 mmHg, on average, in patients with a systolic blood pressure of >/=160 mmHg despite treatment with >/=3 antihypertensive medications was shown in the combined data from 27 patients enrolled in the US Rheos Feasibility Trial and the European Device Based Therapy of Hypertension Trial (DEBuT-HT).

The device continued to be effective in controlling blood pressure even after 1 year, according to Dr. de Leeuwand. Investigators have since launched a multicenter, randomized study to further assess long-term benefit.

The Rheos Baroreflex Hypertension Therapy System (CVRx, Minneapolis) consists of a pulse generator, a device the size of a pacemaker that is implanted under the skin near the collarbone, and wires that carry electrical impulses to the carotid arteries in the neck, where the baroreceptors are located.
The brain interprets electrical impulses that signal a rise in blood pressure and activates the body’s natural responses for reducing blood pressure, including the relaxing of blood vessels, slowing of heart rate, and increasing fluid excretion by the kidneys. Previous studies suggested that the Rheos device significantly reduced both systolic and diastolic blood pressure.