The role of baroreflex activation therapy in sympathetic modulation for the treatment of resistant hypertension

In comparing BAT with renal denervation, BAT requires a more involved procedure, though the second-generation system appears to be no more involved than pacemaker placement with a small lead affixed directly to the carotid sinus through a 2.5-5 cm incision. Since there is no intravascular trauma, there is no risk of secondary carotid artery stenosis occurring. [...]the BAT system can be turned off, such that in the event the patient presents with hypotension or shock, the autonomic nervous system can be allowed to respond normally to the physiologic stressor. [...]it can be adjusted upward or downward, responding to changes in the patient's overall clinical condition over the years, and can be programmed with different parameters for different therapeutic effect during day and night.