Small Device May Help Treat Resistant High Blood Pressure

More than thirty years ago, researchers began experimenting with the idea of using a device similar to a pacemaker to treat high blood pressure. While these early trials showed some success, the devices were bulky, expensive, and the results were only about as good as newly emerging medicines.

Fast forward three decades and this intriguing line of treatment has been revived. Data recently presented at a meeting of The American College of Cardiology has shown that new devices, built using the same principle as those a generation ago, may be extremely useful in treating cases of high blood pressure that are resistent to standard therapies.

These new devices are tiny, and are implanted in carotid artery in the side of the neck. Once implanted, they work by using small electrical signals to stimulate certain receptors in the carotid artery, causing blood vessels to relax and blood pressure to fall.

Trials have shown systolic blood pressure decreases of up to 20 points in people whose high blood pressure previously was difficult or impossible to control. The device is currently in clinical trials.