Frequently Asked Questions

Learn more by reading the FAQs below:

Learning about Barostim

  • Barostim therapy works by sending small electrical pulses to specialized pressure sensors in your neck called baroreceptors. These sensors signal the brain to regulate the heart, kidney, and vascular function.
  • A pacemaker is connected directly to the heart and is designed to maintain a minimum heart rate. Barostim has no hardware in the heart and has been shown to improve hypertension and heart failure symptoms.
  • An implantable defibrillator is designed to restore a heart to a normal rhythm if it goes into a potentially dangerous fast heart rate. Barostim has been shown to improve hypertension and heart failure symptoms.
  • Typically yes, if you meet the Barostim treatment indication criteria. Close to 80% of the patients who received Barostim in the BeAT-HF trial, already had an implantable defibrillator. As always, you should discuss this with a physician.
  • Barostim is indicated for patients with heart failure or resistant hypertension.
  • If you have heart failure, you may qualify for Barostim if you:
    • Have been diagnosed with heart failure NYHA class III and are already receiving guideline directed medical therapy.
    • Have a left ventricular ejection fraction of 35% or less.
  • If you have resistant hypertension, you may qualify for Barostim if you:
    • Have blood pressure greater than or equal to 140 mmHg systolic.
    • Have resistance to maximally tolerated therapy with a diuretic and two other antihypertension medications.

Preparing for my appointment

  • Be prepared to talk about how your hypertension or heart failure symptoms, including shortness of breath or fatigue, are limiting activities that are important to you such as:
    • Showering
    • Walking up stairs
    • Going to the grocery store
    • Cooking
    • Doing laundry
    • Spending time with family and friends
    • Gardening
    • Traveling
  • Write down any questions you have for the doctor.
  • Bring a list of medications you are taking.

Getting Barostim

  1. In the first appointment, the physician will review your most recent records and will be able to talk to you about whether Barostim may be an option to treat your hypertension or heart failure.
  2. If Barostim therapy may be an option for you, the doctor may order additional tests.
  3. If you are a candidate for Barostim, a surgeon will meet with you to perform a carotid ultrasound and discuss the implant procedure.
  • The Barostim implant is placed under the skin in a surgical procedure.
  • Typically you can get back to your normal activities within a few days.
  • Your physician will provide post-implant instructions.

Life with Barostim

  • Barostim typically takes 3-6 months to feel the full benefit as the energy output of Barostim is gradually increased.
  • While Barostim has been proven to improve symptoms of hypertension and heart failure, you will probably need to continue with your medications. You and your doctor will decide on your course of treatment.
  • You’ll likely be able to return to normal activities within a few days following the guidance and direction of your physician.
  • As with any surgical procedure, the visibility of the scars will depend on your skin tone and individual healing process.
  • Barostim has MRI Conditional approval which means it is safe to be used during an MRI scan within defined conditions.

Other FAQs

  • After the system is implanted, you will initially meet with your doctor approximately once per month so they can adjust the therapy to work best for you – this can take approximately 5 visits.
  • Once the therapy is fully optimized, your doctor will see you and check your Barostim heart failure device every six months.
  • This will depend on the device’s energy output, but the average is 5-6 years.
  • When the battery gets low, the device is replaced in a simple procedure.
  • Yes, if you receive Barostim in your hospital, the procedure will be reimbursed.