LOUISVILLE, Ky. – You may have tried lowering your blood pressure through a variety of ways such as lifestyle changes or medication. But what do you do when your blood pressure is still dangerously high? UofL Health – South Hospital is now the first UofL Health facility to offer the new renal denervation (RDN) procedure for certain patients with high blood pressure.
The Symplicity Spyral™ renal denervation (RDN) system involves a minimally invasive procedure that targets nerves near the kidneys that can become overactive and cause high blood pressure. The procedure—also known as the Symplicity™ blood pressure procedure—was FDA-approved in 2023 and is approved for use as an adjunctive treatment in patients with high blood pressure (or hypertension) when lifestyle changes and antihypertensive medications do not adequately control blood pressure.
Hypertension is the single largest contributor to death, and affects about 50% of U.S. adults. Of the U.S. adults who are aware of their hypertension, about 80% do not have it under control.
“Those likely to have the greatest benefit are people who have higher blood presses at baseline and those who are on more than three blood pressure medications with controlled or uncontrolled hypertension,” said Chandhiran Rangaswamy, M.D., a cardiologist at UofL Health.
The Symplicity blood pressure procedure is clinically proven to help reduce high blood pressure, which can lower serious health risks. After sedation, the doctor inserts a very thin tube into the artery leading to the kidney. The doctor then administers energy to calm the excessive activity of the nerves connected to the kidney. The tube is removed, leaving no implant behind.
“High blood pressure is a significant problem for patients all around the world. For people with hypertension, medication and/or lifestyle changes can help reduce blood pressure, but studies have shown that many people still don’t have control over their condition,” said Debra Riley, vice president of the cardiovascular service line at UofL Health. “We are looking forward to the future of hypertension care and are proud to be offering innovative solutions to the people of Kentuckiana.”
In addition to offering this procedure at South Hospital, UofL Health will soon offer it at UofL Health – Heart Hospital, a part of UofL Health – Jewish Hospital.
“This blood pressure procedure can provide patients with a blood pressure reduction benefit that is ‘always on’ and doesn’t require a permanent implant—it can also help patients regain their peace of mind,” Dr. Rangaswamy said.
Elevated blood pressure is anything above 120/80 mmHg. Advanced hypertension, defined as anything systolic (top number) blood pressure of 140 mmHg or higher, or a diastolic (bottom number) blood pressure of 90 mmHg or higher, requires medical attention. If left untreated, advanced hypertension can lead to stroke, heart attack, or serious damage to the kidneys, eyes or brain.
If you or someone you know is experiencing high or difficult-to-control blood pressure, talk to your doctor to see if the Symplicity blood pressure procedure is a possible treatment option.
