First Patient Treated at Altru Hospital With New Technique to Control High Blood Pressure

(Altru image)

(KNOX) – Altru al in Grand Forks treated the first patient with a new renal denervation (RDN) procedure, now offered for certain patients with high blood pressure.

Approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in November 2023, the renal denervation (RDN) system involves a minimally invasive procedure that targets nerves near the kidneys that can become overactive and cause high blood pressure. The procedure – also known as the blood pressure procedure – is approved for use as an adjunctive treatment in
patients with high blood pressure (or hypertension) when lifestyle changes and antihypertensive medications do not adequately control blood pressure.

Hypertension is the single largest contributor to death and affects about 50% of U.S. adults. Of the U.S. adults who are aware of their hypertension, about 80% do not have it under control. The blood pressure procedure is clinically proven to help reduce high blood pressure, which can lower serious health risks. After mild sedation, the doctor inserts a very thin tube into the artery leading to the kidney. The doctor then administers energy to calm the excessive activity of the nerves connected to the kidney. The tube is removed, leaving no implant behind.

“High blood pressure is a significant problem for patients all around the world. For people with hypertension, medication and/or lifestyle changes can help reduce blood pressure, but studies have shown that many people still don’t have control over their condition,” said Rabeea Aboufakher, MD, Medical Director of Heart and Vascular Services at Altru. “The blood pressure procedure can provide patients with a blood pressure reduction benefit that is ‘always on’ and doesn’t require a permanent implant – it can also help patients regain their peace of mind.”