> Controlling high blood pressure continued
sensors there, called baroreceptors, which
measure and report blood pressure to the
brain, which then uses this information to
lower blood pressure by sending signals to
the heart, blood vessels and kidneys. The
Rheos device taps into this natural blood
pressure regulation system. Dr. Feldtman
explains that recovery from the procedure
takes about three hours, and patients
usually go home in two days.
Karla Coco, RN, clinical research
coordinator for the Division of Vascular
Surgery at Scott & White Healthcare,
screens potential study participants.
“You must be on at least one diuretic
and two blood pressure medicines and
have a systolic reading greater than
160 and a diastolic greater than 80
consistently for the past 90 days,” she
says. Physicians can refer patients to the
study, or individuals can call Ms. Coco
at 866-447-8533. Patients with chronic
atrial fibrillation, chronic obstructive
pulmonary disease or previous significant
neck surgeries are not eligible. More
information on the trial is available at
www.r