Innovation for Heart Failure

Barostim Baroreflex Activation Therapy Provides a New Option for Cardiac Patients

PIH Health patient Jeffrey Miller.

Barostim Baroreflex Activation Therapy is the world’s first FDA-approved heart failure therapy to use neuromodulation to improve the symptoms of patients with systolic heart failure.

In the U.S. alone, nearly 6.9 million adults suffer from heart failure—a chronic, progressive condition in which the heart muscle is unable to pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs for blood and oxygen.

Systolic heart failure is one of two main types of heart failure. It occurs when the left ventricle loses its ability to contract normally and is unable to push blood throughout the body. Essentially, the heart can’t keep up with its workload.

Jeffrey Miller, a 60-year-old retired iron worker, suffered with this condition for years.

“I had been living with atrial fibrillation (AFib) and systolic heart failure since 2013, and the doctors had done everything they could do for me,” he said. “I often felt lightheaded, unstable on my feet, and I couldn’t take more than a few steps without losing my breath. I was very depressed.”

When Jeffrey saw a Facebook ad for a new heart failure treatment, he immediately connected with Jessica Weiss MD, PIH Health cardiologist, who explained the benefits of Barostim Baroreflex Activation Therapy.

“This therapy uses neuromodulation—the power of the brain and nervous system—to improve symptoms for patients with systolic heart failure,” said Dr. Weiss. “Barostim is delivered by the Barostim NEO Generator, an implantable device that sends electrical pulses to baroreceptors in the wall of the carotid artery, which in turn, trigger an autonomic response to the heart.”

After Jeffrey was confirmed to be a good candidate, he underwent surgery to implant the device in September 2021.

“Jeffrey’s outcome was exactly what we hoped and expected,” said Ali Gheissari MD, PIH Health cardiothoracic surgeon. “The therapy is designed to restore balance to the autonomic nervous system reducing the workload of the heart, thereby reducing the patient’s symptoms. It’s a unique technology that can really improve someone’s quality of life.”

PIH Health Good Samaritan Hospital has been treating patients with heart failure using the Barostim since early 2021.

“It’s so amazing—I noticed a difference right away,” he said. “Since the surgery, I’ve got tons of energy and feel great. It’s the single best thing I’ve ever done for myself.”

For more information, call the Heart and Vascular Center at PIH Health Good Samaritan Hospital at 213.977.2239 or visit PIHHealth.org/HeartCare.