For millions of Americans struggling with uncontrolled high blood pressure, a novel minimally invasive procedure called ultrasound renal denervation is providing a promising solution. This groundbreaking treatment, recently approved by the FDA, targets the overactive nerves surrounding the kidneys that contribute to resistant hypertension.
How Ultrasound Renal Denervation Works
During the procedure, a cardiologist inserts a catheter through a small incision in the groin and guides it to the renal arteries. Ultrasound energy is then used to disrupt the overactive nerves, reducing their ability to raise blood pressure. This process, known as renal denervation, can be completed in less than an hour, and patients typically return home the same day.
Significant Blood Pressure Reductions
Clinical trials have demonstrated that ultrasound renal denervation can lead to substantial and sustained reductions in blood pressure.
Patients who undergo the procedure can expect an average decrease of 8 to 10 mmHg in their ambulatory blood pressure readings. This reduction is clinically significant, as even a 5 mmHg drop is associated with a 27% lower risk of stroke, 25% lower risk of heart failure, 15% lower risk of chronic kidney disease, and a 15% lower risk of death.
Reducing Medication Burden
One of the primary benefits of ultrasound renal denervation is its potential to help patients reduce or even eliminate their need for antihypertensive medications. Robert Fontana, a physician assistant who underwent the procedure, shared his experience: “The short-term goal is my numbers are down. The long-term goal would be I could not only reduce but maybe eliminate some of the medications I take for hypertension.”
Eligibility And Insurance Coverage
To be eligible for ultrasound renal denervation, patients must have resistant hypertension, defined as high blood pressure that does not respond to treatment with three or more different medications. The procedure is typically covered by private insurance and Medicare with prior authorization.
A Promising Future for Hypertension Management
As the medical community continues to explore new ways to manage hypertension, ultrasound renal denervation offers a glimmer of hope for those who have struggled to control their blood pressure despite lifestyle changes and medication. By targeting the underlying cause of resistant hypertension, this innovative treatment has the potential to significantly improve patient outcomes and reduce the burden of cardiovascular disease.
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