A minimally invasive procedure called renal denervation is showing promise in treating patients with high blood pressure that hasn't responded to traditional medications.
Doctors have long struggled to treat patients with stubbornly high blood pressure, even with multiple medications and lifestyle changes. But a new procedure called renal denervation is offering hope to some who haven't found relief. This minimally invasive treatment involves threading a small catheter through blood vessels to reach the kidneys and then using ultrasound or radiofrequency energy to target specific nerves that regulate blood pressure.
The procedure, approved by the Food and Drug Administration about a year ago, has shown modest but promising results in studies. While not a cure, renal denervation can reduce blood pressure in patients whose hypertension remains uncontrolled despite multiple medications. Michael Garrity, a 62-year-old from Needham, Massachusetts, is one such patient. For years, Garrity battled dangerously high blood pressure that was resistant to traditional treatments. He would experience shortness of breath, fatigue, and other debilitating symptoms. After undergoing renal denervation at Massachusetts General Hospital, Garrity's blood pressure has finally normalized for the first time in years. He still takes medication but at lower doses.While the procedure isn't widely available yet, hospitals like Mass General Brigham are cautiously offering it to carefully selected patients. Insurance coverage is still being worked out, and the cost can be substantial, often in the thousands of dollars. Despite these challenges, renal denervation represents a significant advancement in the treatment of hypertension, offering a new option for those who haven't found relief with conventional methods.
HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE RENAL DENERVATION TREATMENT-RESISTANT KIDNEY PROCEDURE CARDIOLOGY
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