Carotid Baroreceptor Stimulation and Arteriovenous Shunts for Resistant Hypertension

Pharmacologic therapy for hypertension is effective for the majority of patients with hypertension, but there is a subset of the population with treatment-resistant hypertension who cannot achieve their blood pressure goal despite taking multiple medications. Since these patients are at increased risk of cardiovascular disease and end-organ damage, additional therapies must be considered. This review discusses several novel interventional therapies-including baroreflex activation therapy, baroreceptor stenting, and creation of an arteriovenous shunt-that may provide alternative options for blood pressure control in those with treatment-resistant hypertension. All of these therapies remain investigational, and each has its own strengths and weaknesses that will be critical to assess as they come to market.