Barostimulation therapy used for the first time at Magdeburg University Hospital

05.07.2024 -  

The first implantation of a baroreceptor stimulator has been successfully completed at the University Clinic for Cardiac and Thoracic Surgery in Magdeburg. The nerve stimulation system can be used in patients with high blood pressure or heart failure. Magdeburg University Hospital is the only center in Saxony-Anhalt to offer baroreceptor activation therapy.

In June 2024, the first implantation of a baroreceptor stimulator was performed at the Clinic for Cardiac and Thoracic Surgery under the direction of Dr. Max Wacker, MD.This innovative procedure offers new hope for patients with therapy-resistant hypertension (high blood pressure) and chronic heart failure (cardiac insufficiency).

OP Barostimulation

Photo: The implantation is carried out by a team of cardiac surgeons (left:Senior physician Dr. med. Henning Busk, right: Privatdozent Dr. med. Max Wacker). Photographer: Melitta Schubert/UMMD

Who benefits from barostimulation therapy?

Barostimulation therapy is aimed at patients who suffer from one or both of the two main indications:

  1. Therapy-resistant hypertension: This applies to patients whose high blood pressure cannot be sufficiently reduced by conventional medication.
  2. Chronic heart failure: Patients with heart failure who can experience symptom relief and improved physical resilience through the procedure.

How does the system work?

The barostimulation therapy system consists of several components:

  • Implanted device: A small pulse generator, similar to a pacemaker, is implanted under the skin in the area of the chest wall.
  • Electrode: A tiny electrode, only a few millimeters in diameter, is attached to a nerve plexus on the carotid artery (carotid bifurcation).

How barostimulation works

In baroreceptor stimulation therapy, a nerve plexus on the carotid artery is stimulated with an electrode. This neuromodulation aims to compensate for dysregulation in the autonomic nervous system. Electrical stimulation of the baroreceptors restores the balance between activating (sympathetic) and deactivating (parasympathetic) signals of the autonomic nervous system. As a result, a significant reduction in blood pressure can be achieved in patients with high blood pressure. In patients with chronic heart failure, the ability to exercise can be improved.

The intervention

The system is implanted in a surgical procedure under general anesthesia and takes about an hour. Patients can leave the clinic the very next day. The implanted device is then individually programmed to meet the patient's specific needs. Another advantage of the system is its MRI capability, which facilitates medical care for patients.

Interdisciplinary cooperation as the key to success

The success of barostimulation therapy at Magdeburg University Hospital is based on close interdisciplinary cooperation. The implantation is carried out by the cardiac surgery department, while pre- and post-operative care is provided by the cardiology and nephrology departments. This comprehensive care ensures that patients receive optimal care and that the therapy achieves the best possible results.

The introduction of barostimulation therapy at Magdeburg University Hospital marks a significant advance in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases and offers many patients new hope for an improved quality of life.

Barostimulation

Photo: The components of the system. left:The unit, the pulse generator, right: The probe, which measures just a few millimeters, is still attached to a holder here, which will be removed later.Photographer: Melitta Schubert/UMMD

Last Modification: 15.07.2024 - Contact Person:

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