Baroreflex activation therapy

Baroreflex activation therapy is an approach to treating resistant high blood pressure that uses an implanted device to electrically stimulate baroreceptors in the carotid sinus region. This elicits a reflex response through the sympathetic and vagal nervous systems that reduces blood pressure.

Baroreflex activation therapy
Mechanism of baroreflex activation therapy
SpecialtyCardiology

Medical uses

While the devices appears to lower blood pressure evidence remains very limited as of 2018.[1]

Adverse effects

In common with pacemakers, implantation of baroreflex activation therapy devices carries risks of bleeding, bruising and infection.

The location of the electrode, on the carotid artery, carries a theoretical risk of disturbing plaque inside the carotid artery that in principle could cause a stroke, although protocols typically include scanning the artery for plaques beforehand, and such events appear not to have occurred in the systematic trials.

High stimulation voltages can cause an appreciable sensation which can be unpleasant. In typical use the device output voltage is adjusted to below the level that causes unpleasant sensations.

Devices

Device development benefited from the related technology of pacemakers which have markedly reduced in size and increased in efficiency since their introduction in 1958. The falling cost of the fundamental technology that combines a long-lasting battery, stimulating electrode and a microcontroller in a single device, made it possible to create specialised devices to activate baroreceptors. Examples are the Rheos and the Barostim Neo systems.[2]

Procedure

The device is implanted into upper chest with the electrodes placed in the neck.[3] First, an incision is made in the neck to visualise the carotid bifurcation. The electrode is placed over the carotid artery and positioned where stimulating through it elicits a blood pressure reduction. The electrode is then sutured in place. The main part of the device (also called the pulse generator) is then placed in a pocket underneath the skin.

Adjustments of the stimulation pattern (size and frequency of pulses) are made using a device programmer which communicates with the implanted device through short-range radio signals. Stimulation is set at a level that reduces blood pressure but does not cause discomfort.

Mechanism

Baroreflex activation is distinct from vagal stimulation.[4][5] Electrical stimulation of the external surfaces of the carotid sinus activates baroreceptors believed to be in the adventitia of the artery. This stimulates an afferent limb which activates central nervous system pathways that in turn exert two different but synergistic autonomic effects on the body. First, global sympathetic outflow is reduced and, second, vagal outflow is increased.

These two autonomic effector pathways reduce heart rate and vasomotor tone, leading to a reduction in blood pressure. Effects can be seen within a few seconds of initiation of stimulation, a feature which is used in the initial implant procedure to aid positioning of the electrode.

History

Despite modern medications against high blood pressure, only around half of people with hypertension in England, USA and Canada have blood pressure at or below target levels.[6]

In many cases the situation can be resolved with increases in antihypertensive medication. However in about 10% of patients, blood pressure is still above target (140/90mm Hg) despite at least 3 anti-hypertensives, a status known as resistant hypertension.[7]

Some patients prefer not to be prescribed progressively greater number of medications, because of side effects or the difficulty managing a complex medication regime. Despite the greater invasiveness, they may prefer the option of a device that can contribute to blood pressure control. Electrical stimulation of the carotid baroreceptor region is one such option to lower blood pressure.[8]

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References
  1. Wallbach, M; Koziolek, MJ (9 November 2017). "Baroreceptors in the carotid and hypertension-systematic review and meta-analysis of the effects of baroreflex activation therapy on blood pressure". Nephrology, Dialysis, Transplantation. 33 (9): 1485–1493. doi:10.1093/ndt/gfx279. PMID 29136223.
  2. Yoruk, Ayhan; Bisognano, John D.; Gassler, John P. (21 July 2016). "Baroreceptor Stimulation for Resistant Hypertension". American Journal of Hypertension: hpw074. doi:10.1093/ajh/hpw074.
  3. Scheffers, IJ; Kroon, AA; Tordoir, JH; de Leeuw, PW (January 2008). "Rheos Baroreflex Hypertension Therapy System to treat resistant hypertension". Expert Review of Medical Devices. 5 (1): 33–9. doi:10.1586/17434440.5.1.33. PMID 18095894.
  4. Gassler, JP; Bisognano, JD (August 2014). "Baroreflex activation therapy in hypertension". Journal of Human Hypertension. 28 (8): 469–74. doi:10.1038/jhh.2013.139. PMID 24477209.
  5. Gordin, D; Vikatmaa, P; Vikatmaa, L; Groop, PH; Albäck, A; Tikkanen, I (2016). "Baroreflex activation therapy in the treatment of resistant hypertension". Duodecim; Laaketieteellinen Aikakauskirja. 132 (20): 1874–81. PMID 29190040.
  6. Joffres, M.; Falaschetti, E.; Gillespie, C.; Robitaille, C.; Loustalot, F.; Poulter, N.; McAlister, F. A.; Johansen, H.; Baclic, O.; Campbell, N. (30 August 2013). "Hypertension prevalence, awareness, treatment and control in national surveys from England, the USA and Canada, and correlation with stroke and ischaemic heart disease mortality: a cross-sectional study". BMJ Open. 3 (8): e003423. doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2013-003423. ISSN 2044-6055. PMC 3758966. PMID 23996822.
  7. Calhoun DA, Jones D, Textor S, Goff DC, Murphy TP, Toto RD, White A, Cushman WC, White W, Sica D, Ferdinand K, Giles TD, Falkner B, Carey RM (2008). "Resistant hypertension: diagnosis, evaluation, and treatment: a scientific statement from the American Heart Association Professional Education Committee of the Council for High Blood Pressure Research". Circulation. 117 (25): e510–26. doi:10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.108.189141. PMID 18574054.
  8. Kansal, Nikhil; Clair, Daniel G.; Jaye, Deborah A.; Scheiner, Avram (December 2016). "Carotid baroreceptor stimulation blood pressure response mapped in patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy (C-Map study)". Autonomic Neuroscience. 201: 60–67. doi:10.1016/j.autneu.2016.07.010. PMID 27539629.
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