WIS News 10 - Columbia, South Carolina |Implantable device may help treat high blood pressure

Implantable device may help treat high blood pressure

NATIONAL (NBC) - There may soon be a new option for the one-in-three American adults who have high blood pressure.

Millions take medications to treat it, but now researchers are working on a surgical approach.

John Nicolo was diagnosed with high blood pressure in 1995 after suffering a brain aneurysm. His doctor prescribed medication.

It worked well in the beginning, but became less effective over time.

He tried making lifestyle changes. "I tried to walk as much as I could. I tried - you know, I cut down salt, watched what I eat as best I could. And, uh, it didn't seem I had very much luck at anything. It just stayed high," John said. 

He was later diagnosed with non-responsive hypertension.

Dr. Alexander Ackad, chief of nephrology at Hackensack University Medical Center, suggested a new option: An experimental, surgically implanted, pacemaker-like device called the Rheos.

The leads are placed on the carotid arteries in the neck. They deliver a low-level electrical stimulation that signals the brain to lower the blood pressure.

"By just attacking the blood pressure at its root, the brain, we can achieve much better result than if you would if you were taking medication. medication not affect only the sympathetic nervous system, it affect other organs," Dr. Ackad explained.

John didn't have to think it over long. He's hoping to "live a longer life and take care of the grandkids."

He had the device implanted in September. After a few days in the hospital he was back on his feet. And his blood pressure seems to be under control. He's eliminated one of his medications, so far and Dr. Ackad is pleased with his patient's results.

Hackensack University and Columbia University Medical centers are enrolling patients in this clinical trial.

Posted by Chantelle Janelle