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Catheter-based radiofrequency denervation of the renal arteries has recently been developed as a possible treatment alternative for resistant hypertension. In the SYMPLICITY HTN-2 trial, renal denervation lowered blood pressure (BP) significantly at 6 months, compared with no intervention, in patients with resistant hypertension (NEJM JW Gen Med Dec 28 2010). Now we have the next step: the sham-controlled SYMPLICITY HTN-3 trial. The trial involved 535 patients with mean office systolic BPs >160 mm Hg despite treatment with at least three BP drugs at maximally tolerated doses. Patients were randomized to renal angiography plus renal-artery denervation or to a sham procedure (renal angiography only). Medication changes were not permitted duri…