An implantable carotid sinus baroreflex activating system: surgical technique and short-term outcome from a multi-center feasibility trial for the treatment of resistant hypertension.

Objectives: To assess perioperative outcomes and blood pressure (BP) responses to an implantable carotid sinus baroreflex activating system being investigated for the treatment of resistant hypertension.

Methods: We report on the first seventeen patients enrolled in a multicenter study. Bilateral perivascular carotid sinus electrodes (CSL) and a pulse generator (IPG) are permanently implanted. Optimal placement of the CSL is determined by intraoperative BP responses to test activations. Acute BP responses were tested postoperatively and during the first four months of follow-up.

Results: Prior to implant, BP was 189.6+/-27.5/110.7+/-15.3 mmHg despite stable therapy (5.2+/-1.8 antihypertensive drugs). The mean procedure time was 202+/-43 minutes. No perioperative strokes or deaths occurred. System tests performed 1 or up to 3 days postoperatively resulted in significant (all p < or = 0.0001) mean maximum reduction, with standard deviations and 95% confidence limits for systolic BP, diastolic BP and heart rate of 28+/-22 (17, 39) mmHg, 16+/-11 (10, 22) mmHg and 8+/-4 (6, 11) BPM, respectively. Repeated testing during 3 months of therapeutic electrical activation demonstrated a durable response.

Conclusions: These preliminary data suggest an acceptable safety of the procedure with a low rate of adverse events and support further clinical development of baroreflex activation as a new concept to treat resistant hypertension.