| Summary: | To evaluate the feasibility, efficacy, and safety of catheter-based radiofrequency renal sympathetic denervation for treatment of resistant hypertension.
Background: In a subpopulation of patients with essential hypertension, therapeutic targets are not met, despite the use of multiple types of medication. In this paper we describe our first experience with a novel percutaneous treatment modality using renal artery radiofrequency (RF) ablation.
Methods: Thirty patients with essential hypertension unresponsive to at least three types of antihypertensive medical therapy (baseline office systolic blood pressure ⩾160 mmHg) were selected between March and September 2012 and received percutaneous RF ablation. Patients were followed up for 6 months after treatment. The primary effectiveness endpoint was change in seated office-based measurement of systolic blood pressure at 6 months. Another thirty patients were taken as control.
Results: A reduction of mean office blood pressure was seen from 170/102 ± 9/5 mmHg at baseline to 151/91 ± 8/6 mmHg at 6 months follow-up (p = 0.001). Also, we noted a significant decrease in plasma renin activity (3.66 ± 0.64 versus 3.37 ± 0.47 ng/mL/h; p = 0.003). No periprocedural complications, adverse events or change in renal function were noted during follow-up.
Conclusion: Catheter-based renal denervation seems an attractive minimally invasive treatment option in patients with resistant hypertension, with a low risk of serious adverse events.
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