Rationale of novel interventions for resistant hypertension

Device profile of the MobiusHD EVBA system for the treatment of resistant hypertension: overview of its mechanism of action, safety and efficacy

INTRODUCTION

Early promising results of renal nerve denervation awakened interest in developing medical device alternatives for patients with resistant hypertension. The subsequent sham-controlled renal nerve denervation randomized trials were disappointing leading researchers and innovators to explore alternative device and trial designs to address this significant unmet need. We describe the innovation process leading to the first endovascular carotid baroreflex amplification device currently undergoing clinical trials in the United States and Europe.

AREAS COVERED

We provide a brief overview of carotid baroreceptor physiology and then couple this knowledge with the fundamental principles of strain pattern changes that led to the proposed innovation. The mechanism of blood pressure reduction via enhancing innate physiologic carotid sinus baroreceptor signaling through changes in pulsatile focal carotid bulb strain is described alongside preclinical testing and early clinical results.

EXPERT OPINION

The collective data to date suggest endovascular carotid baroreflex amplification may be an innovative alternative for resistant hypertension patients. However, well-controlled studies will be needed to assess efficacy, safety, durability, and risk: benefit of this permanent intravascular carotid implant.

SUBJECT CODES

high blood pressure, hypertension, treatment, physiology.

Initial experience with therapeutic geometric modification of the carotid bulb for true resistant hypertension

The contribution of carotid baroreceptor feedback in preventing or potentially contributing to the essential hypertensive cascade is poorly understood. It is clear the carotid sinus nerve action potentials are triggered by carotid bulb stretch rather than pressure and are only sustained during pulsatile increases in pressure. In addition, the carotid baroreceptor negative feedback is gradually extinguished in hypertension patients (a phenomenon known as "resetting"). We report a case of significant reduction in blood pressure in a patient with true resistant hypertension after change in the carotid bulb pulsatile strain patterns following the implant of an intravascular prosthesis.