A device recently enrolled in US Clinical Trials has shown tremendous initial promise at treating high blood pressure in those who are resistant to traditional medicines.
The device is based on an old idea, and is essentially a small pacemaker that is targeted to a specific large arteries in the neck, rather than to the heart itself.
Initial trials in 16 patients showed average blood pressure decreases that are about 2.5 times greater than average results from traditional high blood pressure medications.
While promising, the device is not without risk. Two of the test patients developed serious infections following implantation, and several others complained of symptoms thought to be related to the application of pacemaker electricity to the neck region.
The device is not yet approved by the FDA for widespread use.
