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Published on: December 11, 2017
Baroreflex Activation Therapy in Patients with Heart Failure with a Reduced Ejection Fraction
Jean M Ruddy1, Anne Kroman2, Catalin F Baicu2
1Division of Vascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina, 30 Courtenay Drive, Charleston, SC 29425, USA; Ralph H Johnson Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care System, 109 Bee Street, Charleston, SC 29401, USA.
Cardiac Electrophysiology Clinics
|August 11, 2026
Summary
Baroreflex activation therapy (BAT) is safe for heart failure patients. This treatment improves symptoms, exercise capacity, and quality of life, offering a new option for managing heart failure with reduced ejection fraction.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Medical Devices
- Heart Failure Research
Background:
- Heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality.
- Guideline-directed medical management (GDMM) is the cornerstone of HFrEF treatment, but many patients remain symptomatic.
- Novel therapeutic strategies are needed to improve outcomes in HFrEF patients who do not achieve adequate symptom control with GDMM.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the safety and efficacy of baroreflex activation therapy (BAT) in patients with symptomatic heart failure and reduced ejection fraction.
- To assess the impact of BAT on patient-centered outcomes, including symptoms, exercise capacity, and quality of life.
- To determine the effect of BAT on relevant biomarkers such as n-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP).
Main Methods:
- A randomized, controlled trial design was employed.
- Participants included patients with HFrEF who remained symptomatic despite GDMM and met specific criteria (NYHA Class II/III, LVEF ≤ 35%, NT-proBNP < 1600 pg/mL, not indicated for CRT).
- Baroreflex activation therapy (BAT) was administered and compared against a control group, with outcomes assessed over time.
Main Results:
- Baroreflex activation therapy (BAT) was demonstrated to be safe in the studied HFrEF population.
- BAT significantly improved patient-centered symptomatic outcomes.
- Key improvements included increased exercise capacity, enhanced quality of life, reduced NT-proBNP levels, and better New York Heart Association functional class.
Conclusions:
- Baroreflex activation therapy (BAT) is a safe and effective treatment option for select patients with symptomatic heart failure and reduced ejection fraction.
- BAT offers significant benefits in improving symptoms, functional capacity, and quality of life, addressing an unmet need in HFrEF management.
- The FDA approval for BAT underscores its potential role in improving outcomes for patients with persistent symptoms despite optimal medical therapy.
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