Renal Denervation Therapy

Published with the inputs from Dr John F John, Senior Consultant, Cardiology, Baby Memorial Hospitals- Kozhikode

Renal denervation therapy is a treatment performed for patients with uncontrolled hypertension despite taking regular medications. The procedure works by creating a disconnect between the brain and the kidneys by ablating the nerves surrounding the blood vessels supplying the kidneys, thereby reducing sympathetic activity, which is elevated in these patients.

The procedure is performed using a special catheter that is passed through the artery in the leg into the renal arteries. Heat energy generated through radiofrequency pulses is used to ablate the surrounding nerves. This treatment is considered for patients whose blood pressure remains uncontrolled despite multiple medications or for those who are unable to tolerate multiple blood pressure medicines.

What is renal denervation therapy?

Renal denervation therapy is a treatment that aims to reduce high blood pressure by ablating the nerves surrounding the blood vessels supplying the kidneys. This creates a disconnect between the brain and the kidneys, helping to reduce sympathetic activity.

Why is renal denervation therapy performed?

Renal denervation therapy is performed for patients whose blood pressure remains uncontrolled despite taking regular medications. It may also be considered for patients who are unable to tolerate multiple blood pressure medications.

How is renal denervation therapy performed?

The procedure is performed by introducing a special catheter through the artery in the leg. The catheter is guided into the renal arteries, which supply blood to the kidneys. The nerves surrounding these arteries are then ablated using heat energy generated through radiofrequency pulses delivered by the catheter.

How does renal denervation therapy help lower blood pressure?

By ablating the nerves around the renal arteries, the procedure reduces sympathetic activity, which is elevated in patients with uncontrolled hypertension. This helps lower blood pressure.

What blood pressure reduction can be expected after renal denervation therapy?

Studies have shown that renal denervation therapy can reduce systolic blood pressure by approximately 10 to 20 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure by around 10 mmHg.

What are the potential benefits of reducing blood pressure with this treatment?

According to studies mentioned by the doctor, the reduction in blood pressure achieved with renal denervation therapy is associated with:

• Around 25% reduction in the incidence of heart attacks
• Around 40% reduction in the incidence of strokes
• Around 50% reduction in the incidence of heart failure

Who may be suitable for renal denervation therapy?

Renal denervation therapy may be suitable for patients:

• Whose blood pressure remains uncontrolled despite taking regular medications
• Who are unable to tolerate multiple blood pressure medications

Who may not be suitable for renal denervation therapy?

The procedure is generally not performed in:

Pregnant patients

Patients whose renal artery anatomy is not suitable for the procedure

Is renal denervation therapy a major procedure?

According to the doctor, renal denervation therapy is a relatively safe daytime procedure that typically requires only one day of hospitalization.

Connect with Our Experts Today

If your blood pressure remains uncontrolled despite taking regular medications or you would like to know whether renal denervation therapy is an appropriate treatment option for you, consult the Cardiology specialists at Baby Memorial Hospital (BMH) for a comprehensive evaluation and personalized treatment plan.