# CVRx

Canonical page: https://technooptimist.io/companies/cvrx
CVRx is a Minneapolis medical device company, founded in 2001, that makes Barostim: an implant that stimulates pressure sensors in the neck artery so the nervous system eases the strain on a failing heart.

## In brief

- Barostim won FDA approval in August 2019 for advanced heart failure patients not suited to resynchronisation pacing.
- Q2 2026 revenue $15.7M (+16%) from 258 US implanting centres; 2026 guidance cut to $58-60M.
- BENEFIT-HF, a 2,500-patient outcomes trial, could triple the eligible population if it succeeds.

## Facts

- Founded: 2001
- Headquarters: US
- Status: public
- Listing: CVRX (NASDAQ)
- Website: https://www.cvrx.com
- Frontiers: [Neurotech](https://technooptimist.io/neurotech.md) (Nerve stimulation)

## Programs

- [Barostim](https://technooptimist.io/neurotech/barostim.md) (Neurotech): Scaling; next: Enrol 2,500 patients at ~150 US and German centres. Sold at 258 US centres; 2,500-patient BENEFIT-HF outcomes trial enrolling since May 2026

## Technical approach

- **Target: The carotid baroreceptors**: Stretch sensors in the carotid artery wall report blood pressure to the brain; stimulating them makes the brain think pressure is high.
- **Effect: Rebalancing the autonomic nervous system**: The brain answers by turning down 'fight or flight' sympathetic drive and turning up calming parasympathetic tone, which a failing heart lacks.

## Open problems

- **Proving it saves lives** (active research): Approval rested on symptoms and exercise capacity; BENEFIT-HF is the first test of whether Barostim cuts deaths and hospital stays.
- **Insurance coverage** (open): Growth depends on payers; a prolonged dispute with one large payer contributed to the 2026 guidance cut.

## Upcoming

- **2032**: BENEFIT-HF trial completion (Barostim)

## Latest updates

- **6 Aug 2026**: CVRx Q2 2026 revenue rises 16% to $15.7M but full-year guidance is cut to $58-60M. US revenue grew 21% to $14.8M while Europe fell 31% to $0.9M. ([our story](https://technooptimist.io/stories/cvrx-q2-2026-revenue-rises-16-to-15-7m-but-full-year-guidance-is-cut-to-2fd5d793.md) · [original source](https://finviz.com/news/379271/cvrx-reports-second-quarter-2026-financial-and-operating-results))
- **4 May 2026**: CVRx enrols first patient in BENEFIT-HF, a 2,500-patient trial of Barostim in a wider heart failure population. The first BENEFIT-HF patient was enrolled at North Central Heart in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. ([our story](https://technooptimist.io/stories/cvrx-enrols-first-patient-in-benefit-hf-a-2-500-patient-trial-of-b4fa2120.md) · [original source](https://citoday.com/news/cvrx-commences-benefit-hf-of-barostim-in-an-expanded-population-of-heart-failure-patients))
- **16 Aug 2019**: FDA approves CVRx's Barostim Neo, the first neuromodulation device for heart failure. The FDA approved Barostim Neo for heart failure with reduced ejection fraction in patients not indicated for cardiac resynchronisation therapy. ([our story](https://technooptimist.io/stories/fda-approves-cvrx-s-barostim-neo-the-first-neuromodulation-device-for-3f2a2e34.md) · [original source](https://www.biospace.com/cvrx-receives-fda-approval-for-world-s-first-heart-failure-neuromodulation-device))

## Partners, customers and investors

- Humana (customer): Medicare Advantage coverage policy for Barostim effective 1 May 2026 (about 5.2M members).
- Devoted Health (customer): Medicare Advantage coverage policy for Barostim effective 17 July 2026.

## People

- Kevin Hykes, CEO

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