Novel baroreflex activation therapy in resistant hypertension: results of a European multi-center feasibility study.

Objectives: This study assessed the safety and efficacy of a novel implantable device therapy in resistant hypertension patients.

Background: Despite the availability of potent antihypertensive drugs, a substantial proportion of patients remain hypertensive. A new implantable device (Rheos system, CVRx, Inc.

Carotid baroreflex activation: past, present, and future.

Electrical activation of the carotid baroreceptor system is an attractive therapy for the treatment of resistant hypertension. In the past, several attempts were made to directly activate the baroreceptor system in humans, but the method had to be restricted to a few selected patients. Adverse effects, the need for better electrical devices and better surgical techniques, and the lack of knowledge about long-term effects has greatly hampered developments in this area for many years.

Rheos Baroreflex Hypertension Therapy System to treat resistant hypertension.

Resistant hypertension has a high prevalence and is associated with high morbidity and mortality. The Rheos Baroreflex Hypertension Therapy System is an implantable device that offers a completely new approach to treating patients with resistant hypertension by electrically activating the carotid baroreflex. Preliminary results from current feasibility clinical trials have shown sustained decreases in blood pressure after 1 year.