Banner Health brings new heart failure therapy to Northern Colorado

GREELEY, Colo. (April 7, 2026) – Banner North Colorado Medical Center has become the first hospital in northern Colorado offering an FDA-approved neuromodulation device designed to improve symptoms and quality of life for patients living with heart failure.

Heart failure is a chronic, progressive condition in which the heart cannot pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs. Patients often experience shortness of breath, fatigue, swelling and reduced ability to perform daily activities. In the United States, heart failure affects an estimated 6.7 million adults, 20 years of age or older.

The Barostim Baroreflex Activation Therapy involves a new heart failure device that uses neuromodulation, harnessing the power of the brain and nervous system to help restore balance to the body’s autonomic nervous system. Unlike pacemakers and defibrillators, which help regulate heart rhythm and prevent dangerous arrhythmias, Barostim targets the underlying nervous system imbalance that contributes to symptoms such as fatigue, shortness of breath and fluid retention.

“Medications and pacemakers may add years to your life, but they don’t necessarily add life to your years,” said vascular surgeon Timothy Fuller, MD. “This procedure focuses on day-to-day comfort, making it easier for patients to do the things they love, from going on a hike to spending time with family.”

The device works by gently stimulating baroreceptors, natural sensors located in the wall of the carotid artery in the neck. These receptors communicate with the brain to regulate heart, kidney and vascular function. By activating these sensors, Barostim helps reset the body’s automatic responses, allowing the heart to relax appropriately at rest and respond more effectively during physical activity.

Barostim is used in conjunction with guideline-directed medical therapy and, when appropriate, pacemakers or defibrillators. Eligible patients often experience reduced fatigue, less shortness of breath and improved control of fluid retention. Clinical studies have shown that the therapy, combined with medication, can improve exercise capacity and overall quality of life.

“Barostim is implanted during a short, outpatient procedure that we can do right here at NCMC,” Dr. Fuller said. “And all follow-up on the device is handled here at the CardioVascular Institute of North Colorado, on the same campus as NCMC. We are currently the only hospital and clinic offering this therapy in Northern Colorado, demonstrating one of the ways NCMC is adopting innovative technology faster than others in the region.”

NCMC participated in the clinical study that contributed to the FDA approval of Barostim. In addition to Barostim, the cardiovascular team continues to expand advanced treatment options, including transcatheter aortic valve replacement and transcarotid artery revascularization, further modernizing cardiac and vascular care in Northern Colorado.

By offering Barostim therapy, NCMC continues its commitment to advancing cardiac care in Northern Colorado and improving both longevity and quality of life for patients living with heart failure. For more information, call (970) 810-0900 or visit https://www.bannerhealth.com/locations/greeley/cardiovascular-institute-of-north-colorado-cardiology-clinic-15th.