Marshfield Clinic Health System first in Wisconsin to offer new heart failure treatment

Marshfield Clinic Health System is the first health care system in Wisconsin and only the second in the Midwest to implant what is deemed as the world’s first neuromodulation device for heart failure treatment.

Barostim Neo is a Food and Drug Administration-approved device which uses a novel mechanism to improve cardiovascular function. This pacemaker-like device is designed to electrically activate the baroreflex, the body’s main cardiovascular reflex, signaling the brain to regulate cardiovascular function. Barostim Therapy activates baroreceptors in the wall of the carotid artery and stimulates the afferent and efferent pathways of the autonomic nervous system. The brain responds to the therapy by modulating efferent pathways, to relax blood vessels, slow the heart rate and reduce fluid in the body via improved kidney function.

Electrophysiologist Dr. Sanjay Kumar and Vascular Surgeon Dr. Tahlia Weis successfully performed the first two procedures at Marshfield Medical Center in Marshfield.

“We are very excited to bring this innovative and cutting edge technology that will address the unmet needs in cardiovascular diseases in the community,” said Harry Singh, Cardiovascular service line administrator.

The placement of the Barostim Neo requires a minimally-invasive procedure under general anesthesia and can be done in an electrophysiology laboratory or catheterization lab as an outpatient procedure. The patients are usually discharged the same day or the next day. Physiological effects include lower heart rate and lower blood pressure.

“This technology will improve patient outcomes, quality of life, and overall cardiovascular health via novel baroreceptor neuromodulation therapy,” said Dr. Milind Shah, medical director, Cardiovascular service line. “Patients can experience an improved quality of life and a greater ability to do simple exercises, such as walking without discomfort.”

Designed to address a significant unmet medical need in heart failure, the Barostim Neo was one of the first therapies to receive the FDA’s coveted Breakthrough Device Designation. This distinction is reserved for unique therapies that are intended to treat a life-threatening or irreversibly debilitating disease where there is no available treatment alternative.

To refer a patient or request a consultation call Marshfield Medical Center-Marshfield Cardiology at 715-387-5301 or Marshfield Medical Center-Weston Cardiology at 715-393-1220.

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Marshfield Clinic Health System is an integrated health system whose mission is to enrich lives through accessible, affordable compassionate health care. The Health System serves Wisconsin with more than 1,200 providers comprising 86 specialties, health plan, and research and education programs. Primary operations include Marshfield Clinic, nine Marshfield Medical Center hospitals, Marshfield Children’s Hospital, Marshfield Clinic Research Institute, Security Health Plan and Marshfield Clinic Health System Foundation. Learn more at marshfieldclinic.org.