Frye Regional Brings Neuromodulation Heart Failure Therapy to Western North Carolina

Frye Regional Medical Center, a Duke LifePoint hospital, has successfully performed its first FDA-approved implantable neuromodulation procedure for patients with heart failure, becoming the first facility in western North Carolina to offer this therapy.

This milestone further expands Frye Regional Heart Center’s treatment options for patients with complex cardiovascular conditions, offering therapies not widely available in the region.

Expanding options for heart failure

The therapy uses neuromodulation—targeting the nervous system—to improve symptoms in patients with systolic heart failure. The procedure was performed by Brett Starr, MD, FACS, cardiothoracic surgeon at Frye Regional, further advancing the hospital’s cardiovascular capabilities.

Designed for patients who continue to experience symptoms despite guideline-directed medical therapy or device-based treatments, the system delivers gentle electrical signals to baroreceptors in the carotid artery. This helps regulate heart rate, blood pressure and fluid balance. Clinical studies have demonstrated improvements in functional status and overall quality of life.

“This therapy offers a meaningful option for patients with heart failure who have exhausted standard treatments,” said Dr. Starr. “By complementing existing therapies, this minimally invasive approach can improve quality of life and help patients return to daily activities.”

A minimally invasive, targeted approach

Unlike pacemakers or defibrillators, this therapy does not require hardware inside the heart or blood vessels. The device is implanted under the skin in the chest, with a lead placed on the carotid artery.

Approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2019, this therapy is intended for patients who are not candidates for heart transplant or mechanical circulatory support.

Bringing advanced heart care closer to home

The introduction of this therapy reflects coordinated care across Frye Regional’s cardiology, cardiothoracic surgery and vascular teams, ensuring patients receive comprehensive, team-based treatment.

“Bringing this level of heart care to our community means patients no longer have to travel far for advanced treatment options,” said Lindy White, MBA, FABC, chief executive officer of Frye Regional Medical Center. “This therapy reflects our continued investment in expanding specialized services and ensuring patients in our region have access to the care they need – close to home – so they can live fuller, healthier lives. This achievement is a testament to the dedication, collaboration and clinical excellence of our cardiovascular team, whose leadership and commitment made this advancement possible.”

The procedure typically takes about an hour, and most patients return home the same day. Frye Regional’s cardiovascular operating suites, including a hybrid operating room, support complex, minimally invasive procedures with a focus on patient-centered care.

Recognized for excellence in heart care

Frye Regional earned multiple recognitions in 2025, including the American College of Cardiology’s HeartCARE Center™ National Distinction of Excellence for the fifth consecutive year as well as the ACC NCDR Chest Pain - MI Registry Platinum Performance Achievement Award. The hospital also received multiple American Heart Get With The Guidelines® awards across heart attack, heart failure, stroke and resuscitation.

The Frye Regional Heart Center offers a range of advanced cardiac services, including mitral and tricuspid valve repair, surgical aortic valve replacement and other structural heart interventions. As a Duke Health Affiliate in Heart, the center benefits from the most current training and staff education when it comes to heart care.

For more information or to schedule an appointment with a Frye Regional heart specialist, visit FryeMedCtr.com/heart-care or call 828.261.0009.

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