Cardiology team performs new renal denervation procedure to treat resistant hypertension

Patients in the region with high blood pressure that’s hard to treat — known as resistant hypertension — have reason for renewed hope. UC Davis Health cardiologists recently performed the institution’s first renal denervation procedure to treat the common condition.

Outside of clinical trials, UC Davis Medical Center is the first hospital in Northern California to perform the procedure, which uses ultrasound energy to reduce blood pressure.

It is a significant advancement in cardiovascular care for the region.

“We are thrilled to bring this innovative treatment to our patients,” said Surabhi Atreja, associate professor of cardiology, who performed the procedure. “Renal denervation represents a breakthrough in the management of resistant hypertension, providing a safe and effective option for those who have not found relief through traditional therapies.”

Renal denervation represents a breakthrough in the management of resistant hypertension, providing a safe and effective option for those who have not found relief through traditional therapies.”—Surabhi Atreja

What is resistant hypertension?

Resistant hypertension is high blood pressure that does not respond well to aggressive medical treatment according to the American Heart Association. Hypertension is considered resistant when it does not improve despite the patient receiving at least three medications that work differently.

Over time, resistant hypertension damages the arteries, causing them to stiffen. As the arteries become narrower and less flexible, the heart must work harder to move blood through the body. The condition substantially increases the risk of heart attack, stroke and kidney failure.

Hypertension affects half of adults in the United States. Among people with high blood pressure, twenty percent have resistant hypertension.

Renal denervation procedure

Recently approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the renal denervation procedure targets the overactive nerves in the renal arteries that contribute to elevated blood pressure.

The procedure is minimally invasive. A cardiologist uses a catheter to deliver ultrasound energy to the nerves surrounding the renal arteries. This process disrupts the overactive sympathetic nerve activity, leading to a reduction in blood pressure. Clinical trials have demonstrated significant and sustained blood pressure reductions in patients who undergo this procedure.

“For our first procedure, we used an ultrasound-based treatment to help a patient who had struggled with resistant hypertension for over a decade,” explained Atreja. “The patient tolerated the procedure well and we look forward to helping more patients with this innovative treatment.”

Specialized resistant hypertension clinic

UC Davis Health has introduced a specialized resistant hypertension clinic for patients with uncontrolled blood pressure. Patients will be offered comprehensive care, including remote blood pressure monitoring, text reminders and detailed investigations of the cause of hypertension. They’ll also learn whether they are candidates for innovative procedures like renal denervation and renal artery angioplasty.

“The introduction of renal denervation is a testament to UC Davis Health’s dedication to advancing medical science and improving patient outcomes,” said Reginald Low, clinical professor of cardiology. “Our comprehensive cardiovascular program is renowned for its commitment to cutting-edge research and patient care. This is due to our team of highly skilled interventional cardiologists, who work tirelessly to make patients feel secure and well-cared for.”