ATLANTA – Millions of Americans struggling with high blood pressure may find relief through a new one-time procedure. The experimental treatment, known as renal denervation, aims to lower blood pressure in patients who have not responded to medication or lifestyle changes. Dr. David Kandzari, chief of the Piedmont Heart Institute in Atlanta, led a trial evaluating the Medtronic Symplicity Spyral™ renal denervation system, which was granted FDA approval in November 2023. The procedure involves using radio frequency energy to disrupt overactive nerves around the exterior of the patient’s renal arteries, resulting in significant reductions in blood pressure.
The study focused on individuals with persistent, uncontrolled high blood pressure, despite attempts at lifestyle interventions and multiple blood pressure-lowering medications. Patients like Paul Griffin, who has been living with high blood pressure for 25 years, found hope through the procedure. After undergoing renal denervation, Griffin’s blood pressure dropped from an average of 150/90 to 118/81, an ideal range for his age. Griffin is hopeful that his cardiologist will be able to slowly wean him off the remaining medication over the next few months.
The renal denervation procedure involves inserting a catheter up to the level of the kidney arteries, where radio frequency energy is delivered to ablate the overactive nerves. Dr. Kandzari emphasizes that the procedure does not cause trauma to the kidney or the blood vessels themselves. By disrupting the telegraph system between the kidneys and the central nervous system, significant and meaningful reductions in blood pressure can be achieved.
The clinical trial required participants to continue taking blood pressure medication for at least six months, but the results were promising. The blood pressure-lowering effect of renal denervation lasted up to three years, without the ablated nerves regrowing and causing blood pressure to rise again. Dr. Kandzari highlights that even modest reductions in blood pressure can lead to substantial decreases in heart failure, stroke, kidney disease, heart attack, and death itself.
Renal denervation has been routinely used in other countries, including Europe and Asia, for patients who have not responded to conventional treatments. The positive outcomes seen in the clinical trial provide hope for the millions of Americans battling high blood pressure. By offering an alternative to long-term medication management, renal denervation could improve the quality of life for individuals like Griffin, who no longer worry about the looming threat of strokes or other cardiovascular events.
As research continues to explore new treatments and interventions, advancements like renal denervation offer hope for patients with uncontrolled high blood pressure. The ability to achieve meaningful reductions in blood pressure through a one-time procedure could revolutionize the management of this prevalent condition, transforming the lives of millions of Americans.
