Renal Denervation
Renal denervation is a minimally invasive procedure that lowers blood pressure by disrupting nerves in the kidney arteries.
Renal denervation is a revolutionary new way to treat uncontrolled high blood pressure when medication, diet, and exercise have not produced the desired results. Performed through a catheter emitting ultrasound or radiofrequency energy, this procedure can help return your blood pressure to a healthier range.
How Does Renal Denervation Work?
Your brain has a network of nerves that control your body’s functions. The sympathetic nervous system—best known for its part in your body’s “fight-or-flight” response—tells your kidneys how your blood pressure should be regulated.
People with hypertension have an overactive sympathetic nervous system, keeping their blood pressure high. By toning down the overactive sympathetic nerves that run along the kidney arteries, blood pressure will begin to drop.
Am I a Candidate for Renal Denervation?
At Virtua, you may be a candidate for the procedure if you:
- Have a blood pressure higher than 130/80 mmHg, despite taking three or more medications for blood pressure
- Have uncontrolled high blood pressure, despite trying lifestyle measures and medications, either because you could not tolerate the medications due to side effects or they did not work for you
- Have uncontrolled high blood pressure along with any heart or vascular conditions that bring higher cardiovascular risk, such as coronary artery disease, diabetes, or a prior history of heart attack, heart failure, atrial fibrillation, or stroke
Virtua Renal Denervation Specialists
Interventional cardiologist Kintur Sanghvi, MD, FACC, FSCAI, is a leading expert in renal denervation, having participated as primary investigator in multiple landmark clinical trials on the safety and effectiveness of the procedure.
Randy Mintz, MD, is a board-certified interventional cardiologist with decades of experience caring for adults with heart conditions and specializes in the treatment of vascular disease.
Our Approach to Renal Denervation
For many people with high blood pressure, or hypertension, a combination of a heart-healthy diet, exercise, and medication are enough to lower their blood pressure.
Virtua Health was the first system in New Jersey to offer renal denervation as a treatment for people who could not control their high blood pressure despite taking multiple medications, a condition called resistant hypertension.
During the procedure, a wire and catheter are inserted into an artery in your groin and threaded to your kidney arteries.
Depending on your anatomy, a catheter with a special balloon that emits ultrasound waves or a catheter that releases radiofrequency energy is used to disrupt the overactive sympathetic nerves that lie just outside the walls of the kidney arteries. The arteries themselves are not harmed during the process.
The catheter is then removed from your body.
Renal denervation is a minimally invasive procedure that does not involve sutures. Patients typically return home on the same day. There is no overnight hospital stay. The procedure is considered safe and effective, with low risk of complications.
Renal denervation is performed at Virtua Mount Holly Hospital and at Virtua Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital.
Benefits of Renal Denervation
Achieving and maintaining blood pressure control prevents the long-term effects of high blood pressure, such as the increased risk of stroke, heart attack, heart failure, kidney failure, and cognitive decline.
Studies have noted that for every 5 to 10 mm Hg decrease in blood pressure, there is a 10 to 20% reduction in future cardiovascular risk.
In the months following renal denervation, your blood pressure will gradually drop.
In clinical trials, some people were able to control their blood pressure with fewer or no medications following treatment.
So, for people who are unable to lower their blood pressure with standard therapy, renal denervation may be an option.
The Virtua Difference for Renal Denervation
Pioneers in care
Virtua interventional cardiologist Kintur Sanghvi, MD, FACC, FSCAI, participated as primary investigator in multiple landmark clinical trials on the safety and effectiveness of the procedure. Virtua Health was the first facility in New Jersey to perform renal denervation.
Pioneers in care
Virtua interventional cardiologist Kintur Sanghvi, MD, FACC, FSCAI, participated as primary investigator in multiple landmark clinical trials on the safety and effectiveness of the procedure. Virtua Health was the first facility in New Jersey to perform renal denervation.
Here where you need us
With more than 100 cardiovascular experts located across South Jersey, you can receive the care you need right in your neighborhood.
Here where you need us
With more than 100 cardiovascular experts located across South Jersey, you can receive the care you need right in your neighborhood.
Specialists in less-invasive treatments
From reopening a blocked artery to replacing your aortic valve to resolving your atrial fibrillation, we can diagnose and treat many cardiovascular conditions without open-heart surgery.
Specialists in less-invasive treatments
From reopening a blocked artery to replacing your aortic valve to resolving your atrial fibrillation, we can diagnose and treat many cardiovascular conditions without open-heart surgery.
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Tried everything to control your blood pressure but aren’t seeing the desired results? Renal denervation is a game-changing procedure that can positively affect your health.