The Christ Hospital Among First in Nation to Offer Clinical Trial for Resistant Hypertension

CALM-2 Trial Studies Effectiveness of Device-based Procedure for People on Multiple High Blood Pressure Medications

The Lindner Research Center at The Christ Hospital is among the first facilities in the nation to offer a groundbreaking clinical trial, CALM-2, which is evaluating the effectiveness of an investigational device-based treatment to reduce blood pressure.

The CALM-2 (Controlling and Lowering blood pressure with MobiusHD®) clinical study will evaluate the MobiusHD® implant as a possible solution for patients whose blood pressure remains uncontrolled despite the use of prescribed medications. This minimally-invasive technology uses the body’s natural blood pressure control systems to reduce hypertension. The device is implanted in the body using a technique similar to heart stents.” Once in place, it reshapes the walls of the carotid sinus and increases pulsatile stretch, triggering specialized nerves known as baroreceptors. Baroreceptors detect changes in stretch of the arterial wall and signal the brain to control blood pressure, which may reduce blood pressure with a single treatment.

Over 100 million people in the United States have high blood pressure, or hypertension, which is recognized as the most important single risk factor for cardiovascular morbidity and death. Medications and lifestyle changes are effective for some patients with hypertension; however, more than half of those treated with antihypertensive medications continue to suffer from uncontrolled high blood pressure and the associated health risks.

“High blood pressure is sometimes called the silent killer because it raises the risks for so many other health problems like heart disease and stroke,” said Dr. John Szawaluk, Director of the Hypertension Program and principle investigator for the study at The Christ Hospital. “I am excited to be able to offer this new technology to patients with uncontrolled hypertension.”

Dr. Dean Kereiakes, Medical Director of the Lindner Research Center which is conducting the trial explains, “The Carl and Edyth Lindner Research Center at The Christ Hospital strives to bring promising therapies in development to Cincinnati and provide them to patient’s years in advance of when they are commercially available. We are pleased to be among the first facilities in the country to launch this innovative study – and to help develop this new treatment option for a common but difficult-to-manage condition.”

Vascular Dynamics, Inc., based in Mountain View, California, developed the MobiusHD® implant and is the study sponsor.

For more information about the CALM-2 clinical trial, contact the Lindner Center referral line at 513-585-1737.

Caution: The MobiusHD System is an investigational device and is limited by United States law to investigational use.

About The Christ Hospital Health Network: The Christ Hospital Health Network is an acute care hospital located in Mt. Auburn with six ambulatory centers and dozens of offices conveniently located throughout the region. The Network is supported by more than 1200 talented physicians and 6000 dedicated employees. Their mission is to improve the health of the community and to create patient value by providing exceptional outcomes, the finest experiences all in an affordable way. They have been recognized by Forbes Magazine as the 29th best employer for women out of 300 in their Best Employers for Women listing, and the 24th best large employer in the nation in their America’s 500 Best Large Employers listing. They have been recognized by National Consumer Research as the region’s Most Preferred Hospital for 22 consecutive years, and also ranked #28 out of 100 for their Consumer Loyalty award. The Network is dedicated to transforming care by delivering integrated, personalized healthcare through its comprehensive, multi-specialty physician network. The Christ Hospital is among only six percent of hospitals in the nation to be awarded Magnet recognition for nursing excellence and among the top five percent of hospitals in the country for patient satisfaction. For more than 125 years, The Christ Hospital has provided compassionate care to those it serves.