Barostim ???

My cardiologist recommended that I look into Barostim - a device that is inserted into the right carotid, then anchored onto a spot on the carotid (or is it the brain stem?) that a device implanted on the right side, near the sternum, uses to generate a weak pulse that controls some of the internal organs - putting less stress on the heart.

I've done a bit of looking into it - not enough to satisfy me - and I'm wondering if any of you are using one, or have information about it.

According to my cardiologist, this has been in use for a few years, and he's heard good things about it.

interesting, the things that I learn here ...

Yes. It's definitely interesting.

I got multiple calls this week from a doctor's office telling me that I had an appointment this week (today - Thursday, December 5) that I didn't make.

I wasn't able to take the calls.

Yesterday, my electrocardiologist's office called me.

Apparently, they made the appointment for me - and it was sort of a favor to my doctor to do it so quickly. My doctor apparently does a lot of referrals and his referrals are given priority. I'll see this doctor and get evaluated. IF I'm a candidate, I don't plan on doing this until next year - last year, I had a minor procedure on December 18, and left with a large hematoma that took months to resolve.

I did some more checking on this procedure and the device.

The doctor locates the barosensor (for lack of a more accurate name) at the top of the carotid. Once it's located, an electrode is sewn in, just above the node. The lead is snaked down, apparently under the skin, and it's connected to a connector that goes into the device. If there's extra lead it's wrapped into a circle to take off any stress from the device (that's sewn into a pocket just below the clavicle).

The Barostim puts a small pulse on the barosensor (the sensor apparently senses blood pressure and sends the signal to the brain), tricking it into 'thinking' that the pressure is too high. The brain then sends signals to vasodilate (dilate the vessels), reducing the load on the heart.

There are quite few success stories related to the device (and some risk - I don't know if I'm a candidate or not).


I'll report more when I KNOW more.

I read up a little on this. It sounds like this is being marketed for heart failure patients. That is your situation, correct?

https://www.cvrx.com/

Interesting, thanks for sharing. My FIL has heart failure so always interested in options. Different device he has (biventricular pacemaker / ICD, Cardiomems) have helped him make remarkable improvements. Hope this option makes a good difference for you if it turns out to be a good option and you go forward.

I have an ICD. It makes no improvement - it's designed to defibrillate the heart if it stops. It's basically a pacemaker with an extra zapper.

Yes,. it's CHF. I don't have edema, oddly enough, but have trouble with exertion.

The doctor did a carotid ultrasound (both sides) and my carotids are clear - I'm a good candidate for the device -- IF I want it.

My electrocardiologist thinks that it's a good idea.

It would sure be great if you got relief from the CHF. Nice to at least have something new on offer.

Thanks. If I do it, I'll update this thread.

I'm typing with 9 fingers - I cut my left index finger and am just figuring our how to use 9.

Good luck