Marshall Health Network Offers Innovative Treatment for Heart Failure Patients

Marshall Health Network is excited to announce the successful implantation of the Barostim™ device, an advanced treatment for heart failure. This marks the first use of this innovative device in Huntington.

Barostim is the first FDA-approved heart failure device that uses neuromodulation, a method that taps into the power of the brain and nervous system to help improve symptoms of heart failure. It is especially helpful for patients whose symptoms are not well managed with medications alone.

The procedure, which took place at St. Mary’s Heart Institute, was performed by Dr. Nepal Chowdhury, a skilled cardiovascular and thoracic surgeon.

What makes Barostim different is that it doesn’t require any hardware in the heart. Instead, it works by gently stimulating sensors located in the carotid artery. These sensors help the brain regulate important functions like heart and kidney activity, making the heart work more efficiently and improving symptoms of heart failure.

When combined with heart failure medications, Barostim has been shown to help patients exercise more easily, feel better, and regain the energy to enjoy their daily activities. It’s a promising option for those seeking relief from heart failure symptoms.

“Access to advanced technology like this is important to our patients and our community,” Melissa Mielcarek, MSHA, MBA, FACHE, Executive Director of St. Mary’s Regional Heart Institute explained. “It gives heart failure patients new hope, improving quality of life and restoring balance when medications alone aren’t enough.”

Heart failure is a chronic, progressive condition in which the heart muscle is unable to pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs for blood and oxygen. Essentially, the heart can’t keep up with its workload. People with heart failure often experience shortness of breath, fatigue, swelling in lower extremities, weakness, and the reduced ability to perform physical activity.

In the US, heart failure is estimated to affect 6.9 million adults and is expected to increase by 24% to nearly 8.5 million by 2030.

Discover more personalized care with Marshall Health Network. Learn about St. Mary’s Heart Institute at st.marys.org/heart.