Allina Health’s Abbott Northwestern Hospital has achieved a significant milestone by successfully completing the first Barostim Baroreflex Activation Therapy implant in the state of Minnesota. This groundbreaking procedure, announced by CVRx, Inc. and Allina Health, marks a major advancement in the treatment of heart failure.

Barostim, recognized as the world’s first FDA-approved neuromodulation heart failure device, operates by stimulating baroreceptors, natural sensors located in the wall of the carotid artery. By leveraging these sensors, the device provides vital feedback to the nervous system, enabling the regulation of heart, kidney, and vascular function. As a result, it can potentially reduce the heart’s workload and enhance its pumping efficiency, thereby alleviating the symptoms of systolic heart failure patients.

The groundbreaking procedure was conducted at Allina Health’s Abbott Northwestern Hospital under the expertise of Jeffrey Jim, MD, FACS, Chair of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, and Peter Eckman, MD, Heart Failure Section Head. Dr. Eckman expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “Not only are we proud to be offering Barostim at Abbott Northwestern Hospital, but we are excited to be the first hospital in the state of Minnesota to make this novel therapy available for heart failure patients. With this milestone, more patients now have access to a treatment option to help reduce their heart failure symptoms and improve their quality of life when medications alone are not enough.”

This achievement also signifies a significant milestone for CVRx, as it marks the first Barostim implant for the company within the United States. The Minneapolis, MN-based company received FDA approval for Barostim in August 2019 and has since expanded its implanting sites to 178 across the U.S. In addition, the company recently introduced its new Barostim NEO2 IPG, a second-generation device that promises enhanced functionality and performance.

The successful implementation of Barostim at Abbott Northwestern Hospital heralds a new era in the treatment of heart failure, offering hope to patients who may benefit from this innovative therapy. With this pioneering achievement, the medical community takes a significant step forward in improving the quality of life for individuals battling heart failure.