Catheter-based technology alternatives for renal denervation: An overview

Abstract

In the aforementioned chapters, the role of the renal sympathetic nervous system in blood pressure control has been outlined. The effect of renal sympathetic denervation on blood pressure in an animal model has been described and it has been demonstrated that renal denervation in humans causes what it intends to, a reduction in overall sympathetic tone (as demonstrated by norepinephrine spillover and muscle sympathetic nerve activity). Finally, human data on renal denervation has been summarized. In line with physiological plausibility, the promising early results of radiofrequency renal denervation have led to a surge in interest in the sympathetic nervous system and renal denervation coupled with significant investment in new technology design. Importantly, at the time of this writing, it has been announced that the Symplicity-3 trial did not meet the predefined primary endpoint. Specifics regarding the outcome of the trial are not available, yet.