Renal sympathetic denervation (RSDN) is a minimally invasive, endovascular catheter based procedure using radiofrequency ablation or ultrasound ablation aimed at treating resistant hypertension (high blood pressure not controlled by medication).[1] Nerves in the wall of the renal artery are ablated by applying radiofrequency pulses or ultrasound to the renal arteries. This causes reduction of sympathetic afferent and efferent activity to the kidney and blood pressure can be decreased.[2] Early data from international clinical trials without sham controls was promising - demonstrating large blood pressure reductions in patients with treatment-resistant hypertension.[2][3] However, in 2014 a prospective, single-blind, randomized, sham-controlled clinical trial failed to confirm a beneficial effect on blood pressure.[4] A 2014 consensus statement from The Joint UK Societies did not recommend the use of renal denervation for treatment of resistant hypertension on current evidence.[5] More recent sham-controlled trials suggest renal denervation can lead to lower systolic blood pressure.[6][7][8]
^ abEsler MD, Krum H, Sobotka PA, Schlaich MP, Schmieder RE, Böhm M (December 2010). "Renal sympathetic denervation in patients with treatment-resistant hypertension (The Symplicity HTN-2 Trial): a randomised controlled trial". Lancet. 376 (9756): 1903–9. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(10)62039-9. PMID21093036. S2CID22838976. S2CID link provides full text access with a free registration; DOI link requires a subscription to get full text access.
^Bohm (2020). "Efficacy of catheter-based renal denervation in the absence of antihypertensive medications (SPYRAL HTN-OFF MED Pivotal): a multicentre, randomised, sham-controlled trial". Lancet. 395 (10234): 1444–1451. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(20)30554-7. PMID32234534. S2CID214699992.(subscription required)