Intravascular electrical stimulation of carotid sinus activates baroreflex and decreases arterial pressure in an anesthetized dog

Background: Baroreflex is known as a quick and strong negative feedback system to stabilize arterial pressure through modulating the autonomic nervous system. In the clinical settings such as aortic dissection and hypertensive emergency, cardiovascular drugs often fail to lower arterial pressure to the target level. So a new therapeutic strategy is warranted. Method: In an anesthetized dog preparation, we inserted an electrode catheter into the right carotid artery and positioned at the carotid sinus level. Then we stimulated the carotid sinus while measuring the arterial pressure. Results: Stimulation of carotid sinus decreased arterial pressure from 129 mmHg to 76 mmHg and the steady state was reached within 1 minute. Conclusion: Intravascular electrical stimulation of carotid sinus activated the baroreflex and successfully decreased the arterial pressure. This system would be a novel therapeutic modality to treat patients who require immediate control of arterial pressure.