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Mon Health Heart & Vascular Center Successfully Performs First Barostim™ Baroreflex Activation Therapy Implant

Posted Date: 10/29/2024
Vandalia Health’s Mon Health Heart & Vascular Center has achieved a significant milestone by performing its first Barostim™ Baroreflex Activation Therapy implant, the world’s first FDA-approved heart failure device utilizing neuromodulation to address the symptoms of systolic heart failure. 

Barostim™ Baroreflex Activation Therapy is a revolutionary advancement in heart failure treatment. It works by engaging the brain and nervous system to improve heart function, which is critical for patients suffering from systolic heart failure. This advanced therapy targets those who have not responded adequately to conventional treatments such as medication or devices like defibrillators.

The patient, Mr. Pete Hornsby, who had been struggling with worsening heart failure despite traditional therapies, was working with Dr. Wissam Gharib, Cardiologist at Mon Health Medical Center to try and fix the problems he was facing. After careful evaluation, it was determined that Barostim™ therapy could provide the relief he desperately needed. Dr. Alexander Nagy, cardiothoracic surgeon at Mon Health, performed the surgery, implanting the device that now offers new hope for improved heart function and a better quality of life.

“I know these things take time,” said Hornsby. “But I am very hopeful that it will give me great results, thanks to Drs. Nagy, Gharib, and the rest of the cardiology and electrophysiology team.”

Systolic heart failure is a condition where the heart’s ability to pump blood effectively is compromised, leading to symptoms such as shortness of breath, fatigue, and fluid retention. These symptoms significantly limit daily activities and decrease the quality of life for millions of patients globally. Barostim™ therapy seeks to improve these symptoms by leveraging neuromodulation – the use of the body’s nervous system to send signals to the heart, helping it function more effectively.

Mon Health Medical Center Cardiovascular Surgery Medical Director Dr. Alexander Nagy, who led the procedure, said, “For patients who have been through so much with heart failure and found little relief, this new therapy offers a real chance to regain quality of life. Being able to offer this kind of hope, especially when other treatments haven’t worked, is incredibly rewarding. I’m proud to be part of a team that’s bringing this cutting-edge therapy to our community.”

“It’s always challenging when a patient continues to struggle with heart failure despite maximal tolerated medical therapy,” said Dr. Wissam Gharib, Mon Health Medical Center Medical Director of Structural Heart Services. “Seeing this new option provide hope where there wasn’t before is incredibly uplifting. I’m thrilled that our team could bring this advanced therapy to our patient, and I look forward to helping more individuals benefit from it in the future.”

Mon Health Medical Center’s Mon Health Heart & Vascular Center is committed to providing patients with personalized care. Barostim™ Baroreflex Activation Therapy represents a new frontier in treating heart failure and could be a life-changing option for many patients facing heart failure.

“The successful implementation of Barostim™ therapy at Vandalia Health highlights our commitment to providing the most advanced and innovative care for our patients,” said David Goldberg, President and CEO of Mon Health System and Davis Health System - Vandalia Health North, and Executive Vice President of Vandalia Health. “Our exceptional medical team remains at the forefront of cardiovascular care. We are proud to offer this therapy to improve the lives of heart patients who need it most.”

For more information about the Mon Health Heart & Vascular Center, visit MonHealth.com/Heart. 

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