Percutaneous Renal Nerve Ablation for Persistent Hypertension

What if a simple procedure existed for markedly lowering blood pressure in hypertensive individuals, possibly obviating the need for medical therapy? Noting the association of renal sympathetic hyperactivity with hypertension, these investigators posited that sympathetic denervation of the kidneys would safely reduce blood pressure. They piloted a technique involving radiofrequency ablation within each renal artery in 45 patients. The study was sponsored by the device manufacturer.

Mean patient age was 58, and 44% were women. Mean baseline blood pressure was 177/101 mm Hg, with patients taking an average of 4.7 antihypertensive medications; 96% of patients were taking an ACE inhibitor, an angiotensin-receptor blocker, or both. Procedural com…