Renal denervation therapy for hypertension: truths and half-truths

Abstract

Systemic hypertension is a major contributing factor for excessive morbidity and mortality globally. Experimental studies and early clinical trials showed excellent therapeutic responses to renal denervation (RDN) in patients with hypertension. However meta-analyses and objective assessments have failed to show that RDN therapy has any significant effect on blood pressure. The aim of this review is to introduce the different methods that can be used in RDN, along with the benefits and disadvantages of these methods. Radiofrequency (RF) ablation (of renal nerves) is the most common method of RDN, and we discuss the clinical evaluation of this method in the SYMPLICITY RDN trials. Finally, the development of second-generation RF devices and more comprehensive RDN procedures lead us to consider the current status and future path for RDN.