CVRx®, Inc.'s Rheos™Baroreflex Hypertension Therapy™ System is an implantable device for the treatment of patients with drug-resistant hypertension (who have a systolic blood pressure of 160 mmHg or greater) that has been initially implanted at The University of Rochester in March 2005 as part of a clinical trial and since then has performed a total of three of the initial 10 implantations.

This particular device is showing a significant reduction in blood pressure in patients who suffer from severe hypertension and cannot control their condition with medications or lifestyle changes.

Preliminary findings from an ongoing study that is assessing the safety and clinical efficacy of the Rheos™ Baroreflex Hypertension Therapy™ System were recently reported by cardiologist John Bisognano, M.D., Ph.D., and Minneapolis-based device-maker CVRx at the American Heart Association 2006 Scientific Sessions in Chicago.

According to Dr. John Bisognano:

"The Rheos System is a novel device that activates the carotid baroreflex, the body's own system for regulating blood pressure. We are pleased with the clinical results to date and look forward to expanding the clinical evaluation of the Rheos System.

New approaches to the widespread, chronic and costly problem of hypertension are needed. The Rheos System has the potential to prevent the progression to more serious illnesses, including heart and kidney disease, stroke and death."

Rheos™Baroreflex Hypertension Therapy™ System works by electrically activating the baroreflex system based in the carotid arteries in the neck, which then sends signals to the brain, "telling" it to take action to lower blood pressure through a variety of mechanisms (blood vessel dilatation, heart rate reduction and promotion of fluid excretion by the kidneys).

That very process is a physiologic approach to reducing high blood pressure by allowing the brain to direct the body's own control mechanisms.

Rheos™Baroreflex Hypertension Therapy™ 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 sinus in the neck.

Implantation of this system is very much like the implantation of cardiac pacemakers.

Read the full report from URMC or at CVRx (a pdf file).