title: Implantation of a carotid baroreceptor stimulator in patients with pacemakers and hypertension.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The Rheos® System (CVRx, Minneapolis, MN, USA) is an implantable device used to lower blood pressure in patients with resistant hypertension by stimulation of the carotid baroreceptors. It is unknown if interaction might exist between Rheos and conventional pacemakers.
  
  
  METHODS
  Compatibility of the Rheos device was tested in four patients with preexisting pacemakers. Intra- and postoperative testing was completed with pacemaker and Rheos settings programmed to provoke interaction. Intracardiac electrograms were printed to determine interaction with the pacemaker.
  
  
  RESULTS
  No interaction was observed at maximum atrial and ventricular sensitivity settings and maximum bilateral Rheos output settings.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Concomitant device therapy with Rheos device and pacemakers can be achieved without interaction.
authors.affiliation: Florida Hospital, Orlando, Florida, USA. Hbkarun@aol.com
authors.forename: Harischandra
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Karunaratne
authors.forename: Satish
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Muluk
authors.forename: Vasilios
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Papademetriou
authors.forename: W Michael
authors.initials: WM
authors.lastname: Park
authors.forename: Ross
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Sample
authors.forename: Eric
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Irwin
mesh_terms: D002339:Carotid Arteries / Q000294:innervation / Q000503:physiopathology*; D019544:Equipment Failure Analysis; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010138:Pacemaker, Artificial; D011311:Pressoreceptors / Q000503:physiopathology*; D011474:Prosthesis Design; D016896:Treatment Outcome