Medically Reviewed by Carmen M. Piccolo, DO
Heart failure is a complex condition that can have a significant impact on a person’s quality of life. In a recent interview Dr. Carmen Piccolo, a Vascular Surgeon at McLeod Health, explains the ins and outs of heart failure, the management options available, and how a new procedure, Barostim, is offering hope to patients.
Question: What exactly is heart failure?
Answer: Heart failure refers to a condition where the heart is unable to pump enough blood to supply the body’s needs. This affects the circulation of blood, oxygen, and nutrients, leading to a range of symptoms. There are different types of heart failure, but in this conversation, we’re focusing on the type where the heart isn’t pumping enough blood to support the body effectively.
Q: Once heart failure is diagnosed, what’s the next step in management?
A: After a diagnosis of heart failure, the first step is to see your medical doctor. They’ll typically refer you to a cardiologist, who will evaluate your condition further. In most cases, patients can manage heart failure with medical therapy, which includes medications to help control symptoms. It’s also important to address underlying issues such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and poor diet, which can exacerbate heart failure. Medications can help manage these factors, but lifestyle modifications are just as crucial.
Q: What happens when medications aren’t enough? What other options are there?
A: When medications alone aren’t enough to manage heart failure, more advanced treatments may be needed. The patient is assessed and followed closely by the heart doctors and the electrophysiologist, heart doctors that work on the electrical system of the heart. Sometimes they place things like pacemakers or defibrillators to help the heart to shock it if it stops or to help the heart beat at a certain rate. But when all of those things are not enough, we have a new procedure at McLeod called Barostim.
Q: How does Barostim work, and how does it help with heart failure?
A: Barostim uses the body’s natural systems to help manage heart failure. It works by targeting the carotid arteries in the neck, which have sensors that help regulate blood pressure and heart rate. The procedure involves implanting a small device similar to a pacemaker, but instead of being placed near the heart, it’s connected to thin wires that are positioned on the carotid artery. This device sends signals to the receptors in the artery, helping to restore normal body functions, such as heart rate and blood pressure. For patients, the benefits are clear: it helps reduce hospital visits, shortens hospital stays when they do occur, and improves overall symptoms like shortness of breath and fatigue during daily activities.
Q: Once the team decides Barostim is an appropriate treatment, how is it implanted?
A: If a patient is a good candidate for Barostim, we first conduct a consultation and assess the arteries in the neck to ensure they’re suitable for the procedure. Once that’s determined, the implant is performed at McLeod Regional Medical Center. The process involves making a small incision just below the clavicle to insert the device and another small incision in the neck to place the leads on the carotid artery. Patients typically stay overnight and go home the next morning.
Q: What kind of recovery is involved after the procedure?
A: The recovery process is relatively straightforward. Since this is a minimally invasive procedure, patients can typically walk around and resume normal activities shortly after the surgery. While heavy lifting should be avoided for a little while, the recovery time is generally quite short. Most patients feel better and are able to resume their normal lifestyle quickly.
Conclusion
Heart failure can be a daunting diagnosis, but with the right treatment plan and advancements like Barostim, patients have more options to manage their condition. From lifestyle changes to medical therapies and innovative procedures, heart failure is increasingly becoming a manageable condition.
If you or someone you know is dealing with heart failure, it’s essential to seek care from a medical professional who can guide you through your options and help you make informed decisions about your health. Find a cardiologist near you.
