Renal denervation for the treatment of hypertension and kidney disease

Purpose of review Hypertension is a condition characterized by increased sympathetic activity and the autonomic nervous system. Resistant hypertension, a condition with a prevalence of 10% to 20% in the general hypertensive population, is more likely to experience poor outcomes and adverse cardiovascular events. Renal sympathetic denervation (RDN), a minimally invasive, catheter-based percutaneous intervention, has been considered for treating this condition. Clinical trials have used various catheters, such as the Symplicity Spyral catheter, Vessix Renal Denervation system, and Paradise endovascular ultrasound renal denervation system. Recent findings After the first randomized clinical trials examining the effectiveness and safety of RDN for lowering blood pressure in hypertensive patients, new clinical trials have used various catheters based on radiofrequency, such as the Spyral catheter, Vessix Renal Denervation system, or based on radiofrequency as the Paradise endovascular ultrasound renal denervation system. Positive results on this trials have shown that endovascular RDN (radiofrequency energy or high focused ultrasound energy) could be considered as a treatment option for uncontrolled resistant hypertension. Summary Therefore, endovascular RDN (radiofrequency energy or high focused ultrasound energy) could be considered as a treatment option for uncontrolled resistant hypertension, which can be considered as an alternative to increasing medication. Nevertheless more data are needed, mainly in cardiovascular outcomes. RDN should be performed in experienced and specialized centers with a multidisciplinary team, and the benefits and risks of RDN should be addressed in a shared-decision-making process.