3D printable suture-free bioadhesive electronic interface for hypertension therapy

Hypertension is a major global contributor to morbidity and mortality due to uncontrolled blood pressure, leading to cardiovascular, renal, and cerebrovascular complications. Electrical stimulation of the carotid sinus baroreflex (CSB) offers a promising alternative therapy; however, current devices require suture-based fixation, leading to invasive implantation, tissue damage, and poor long-term stability. Here, we report CaroFlex, a next-generation CSB activation device that integrates soft, stretchable hydrogel-based electrodes with a bioadhesive interface to achieve suture-free fixation on the carotid sinus. In vivo studies in rats demonstrated its stable adhesion on the carotid sinus and effective baroreflex stimulation without sutures. Through soft and bioadhesive material engineering and a suture-free fixation strategy for stimulating the CSB, CaroFlex establishes a framework for minimally invasive, chronic bioelectronic therapies for hypertension or other cardiovascular disorders.