CentraCare Performs First Barostim Heart Failure Implants in St. Cloud Region

(KNSI) – CentraCare Heart and Vascular at St. Cloud Hospital has reached a milestone in cardiac care after completing the first Barostim implant procedures in the region.

Barostim is a small, implantable device that helps reduce the debilitating symptoms of heart failure, most commonly shortness of breath and fatigue. It works by sending gentle electrical pulses to pressure sensors in the carotid artery, which helps calm the body’s stress response and eases the strain on the heart.

Doctors say heart failure is a chronic condition where the heart becomes too weak to pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs. As the heart weakens, sensors in the carotid artery begin sending fewer signals to the brain, which triggers a stress response that actually forces the heart to work even harder, making symptoms worse over time. Barostim helps break that cycle.

Barostim is not a cure for heart failure, but research shows it can improve quality of life, increase life expectancy, and reduce hospital stays.

The procedures were performed in the operating room at CentraCare-St. Cloud Hospital by cardiac surgeon Dr. John Castro, treating patients of Dr. Jamie Pelzel and Dr. Benjamin Johnson who were carefully selected as the best candidates for this new therapy.

The medical team says this latest advancement adds to an already robust lineup of minimally invasive heart failure treatments offered at CentraCare Heart & Vascular, which also includes CardioMEMS, Cordella, and cardiac resynchronization therapy.

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