New Technology Offers Veterans a Spark of Life

Army Veteran Johnny Timmons from League City, TX was the first of six Veterans who have received Barostim implants at the Houston VA over the last several months and he says it has given him a spark of life.

“Over the past few years, my heart issues made me so tired, I could only do one or two things in a day without resting,” he said.  “Over time I had a quadruple bypass operation and got a defibrillator, but it just wasn’t enough. This new Barostim procedure has made a huge difference…my energy is through the roof.”

According to Dr. Savitri Fedson, director of the Advanced Heart Failure Program at the Houston VA, Barostim implant therapy is a minimally invasive procedure that involves placing a small device under the skin of the chest that sends electrical signals to the carotid artery in the neck. These signals stimulate the baroreceptors, which are pressure sensors that send information to the brain about blood pressure and heart rate, she said. The brain then responds by lowering blood pressure and heart rate.

“This new therapy causes the brain to send appropriate signals to restore balance, release less adrenaline and improve heart function,” she said.  “The Veteran’s arteries relax, allowing blood to course more easily through the body and reducing the heart’s exertion.  Veterans often see dramatic improvement 4-6 weeks following the procedure.”

Timmons, who served in Vietnam in the 1960s, has long enjoyed hunting and driving a motorcycle and says he has been able to resume many of his activities and spend more time with his 7 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren since having the Barostim procedure.   

“The procedure was very easy and since then I have been able to go to my grandkids’ baseball games and do more with my family,” he said.  “I was even able to go on a hunting trip.”

The implant procedure takes 45 minutes to an hour and involves a one-inch incision on the right side of the neck and a two-inch incision under the collarbone, said Dr. Alexander Schutz, the surgeon who performed the procedure. 

“We are thrilled to be able to offer our Veterans the first medical technology that harnesses the power of the brain and nervous system to improve their heart failure symptoms,” said Schutz.   “The Barostim device is programmed to meet individual patient needs, and once they get it, we can adjust it for best results. We are proud to have this cutting-edge technology here at the VA, and to be a leading implant center with multiple procedures already performed.”

Heart failure is a chronic condition that occurs when the heart is unable to pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs.  It is a leading cause of hospitalization in the U.S. and research says it affects Veterans at a higher rate than non-Veterans.    While, not all patients with heart failure are candidates for Barostim, Fedson says the device is a great option for Veterans who lack other treatment options for systolic heart failure, in which the left ventricle becomes weak and can’t contract properly.

“Veterans who may be suffering from heart failure should consult with their treating physician to see if they specifically have systolic heart failure and may be an appropriate candidate for this intervention,” Dr. Fedson added.  “Our Veterans served our country and it’s our honor and give them the world-class care and latest technology they so richly deserve.”