CVRx, a company out of Minneapolis, MN, received clearance in the EU for its Barostim neo carotid artery pulse stimulator to be safe for use under MRI. The device is used for certain heart failureand drug resistant hypertension patients and is being investigated for wider clinicaluse.

It’s implanted around the lapel under the skin like a pacemaker, with single electric lead snaked up to the carotid artery where it activates baroreceptors that in turn regulate cardiac performance. It automatically monitors cardiac activity and adjusts on every beat, can be turned off when necessary, and is programmable for each patient’s unique needs.