The landmark procedure, performed yesterday, is part of a Phase II clinical research trial to be conducted by a limited number of medical centers in the United States. Called the Rheos Trial, it is funded by CVRx Inc. of Minneapolis. Karl A. Illig, M.D., chief of the Division of Vascular Surgery, is principal investigator for the Rochester trial site. Cardiologist John D. Bisognano, M.D., Ph.D., associate professor of Medicine, who has been involved in development of this technology, and nephrologist James A. Sloand, M.D., associate professor of Medicine, serve as primary co-investigators.
"The Rheos System works by electrically activating the baroreflex system based in the carotid arteries in the neck, regulating blood pressure in a manner similar to a pacemaker regulating heart rhythm," Illig says. "Low-level electrical stimulation to this area sends signals to the brain, 'telling' it to take action to lower blood pressure through a variety of mechanisms, including blood vessel dilatation, heart rate reduction, and promotion of fluid excretion by the kidneys. In this way, the Rheos System provides a physiologic approach to reducing high blood pressure by allowing the brain to direct the body's own control mechanisms."
"This device, if found effective, would offer a way to lower blood pressure in patients who have not been able to control their blood pressure with medications, and could conceivably reduce the need for pressure-lowering medications in patients with lesser degrees of hypertension," Illig says.
The Rheos system consists of a battery-powered implantable generator, which is inserted under the skin near the collarbone, and two carotid sinus leads, which run from the generator to the left and right carotid
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Contact: Karin Gaffney
karin_gaffney@urmc.rochester.edu
585-275-1311
University of Rochester Medical Center
1-Apr-2005