What is renal denervation for hypertension?

Renal denervation is a transcatheter procedure used to treat severe drug-resistant hypertension.

The kidneys have long been known to be a major contributing factor in hypertension (high blood pressure), causing blood vessel stiffness and salt and water retention.

Renal denervation is a technique in which we deliver energy to the nerve supply of the kidneys thus selectively 'quietening' the nerve impulses and removing the stimulant for high blood pressure.

A thin catheter is inserted into the blood vessels, usually via the groin, and directed to the renal arteries where radiofrequency or ultrasound energy is used to deaden the nerves.

RENAL DENERVATION equipment list

*Femoral artery access

6F Femoral sheath

6F Destination Sheath 45cm (RSR14)

7F IM 55cm guidecatheter (LA7IMAK)

7F RDC 55cm guidecatheter (LA7RDCK)

ASAHI Sion Blue angioplasty wire

6F pigtail diagnostic catheter

6F JR4 guidecatheter

*radiographer will measure renal diameter using QCA

If patient is randomised for treatment,

Upsize 6F femoral sheath to 7F 

Introduce 7F IM guidecatheter

Introduce angioplasty wire

Introduce Paradise ultrasound balloon catheter and ablate

Close access with angioseal