Chronic baroreflex activation effects on sympathetic nerve traffic, baroreflex function, and cardiac haemodynamics in heart failure: A proof-of-concept study

Aims Heart failure (HF) pathophysiology is believed to be mediated by autonomic dysfunction, including chronic sympathoexcitation and diminished baroreflex sensitivity, which correlate with mortality risk. Baroreflex activation therapy (BAT) is a device-based treatment providing chronic baroreflex activation through electrical stimulation of the carotid sinus. BAT chronically reduces sympathetic activity in resistant hypertension. The purpose of this investigation is to determine BAT effects in clinical HF.

and results In a single-centre, open-label evaluation, patients with NYHA class III HF, EF

Conclusion BAT was safe and provided chronic improvement in MSNA and clinical variables. Based on present understanding of HF pathophysiology, these results suggest that BAT may improve outcome in HF by modulating autonomic balance. Prospective, randomized trials to test the hypothesis are warranted.