Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 30, 2025
Improved Renal Denervation Mitigated Hypertension Induced by Angiotensin II Infusion
Published on: May 26, 2022
Exploring Potential Referral Pathways for Renal Artery Denervation and Developing a Centre of Excellence in Ireland
Niall Leahy1,2, Max Wagener1,2, Shirjeel Shahzad1
1Cardiology Department, University Hospital Galway, Saolta Healthcare Group, Newcastle Road, Galway, H91 YR71 Ireland.
Insights
Renal denervation offers a safe and effective treatment for uncontrolled hypertension, especially for patients who cannot tolerate medications. Standardized referral pathways are needed to improve patient access to this emerging therapy.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Interventional Nephrology
Background:
- Arterial hypertension is a major global risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
- High rates of uncontrolled hypertension persist despite available drug therapies, often due to poor medication compliance.
- Resistant or uncontrolled hypertension requires alternative treatment strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current and developing referral pathways for renal denervation at University Hospital Galway.
- To discuss streamlined patient management and requirements for establishing a renal denervation center of excellence.
- To address the unmet need for standardized referral structures in Ireland for this emerging therapy.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing and developing referral pathways for renal denervation.
- Analysis of patient management strategies within a clinical setting.
- Examination of requirements for establishing a specialized treatment center.
Main Results:
- Renal denervation has demonstrated efficacy and safety in reducing blood pressure in sham-controlled trials.
- It serves as a viable option for patients intolerant to oral antihypertensive medications.
- University Hospital Galway has experience with renal denervation through multicenter trials and registries.
Conclusions:
- Renal denervation is a promising device-based therapy for resistant and uncontrolled hypertension.
- Standardized referral and management protocols are crucial for optimizing patient access and outcomes.
- Establishing a center of excellence will facilitate the widespread adoption of this novel treatment.
Abstract:
Arterial hypertension is one of the most significant and prevalent risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Despite widespread awareness of the condition, as well as a multitude of available antihypertensive drug classes, rates of uncontrolled hypertension remain high on a global scale. Frequently, poor compliance with anti-hypertensive medication plays a big role in patients' inability to attain adequate blood pressure control. In individuals with resistant and/or uncontrolled hypertension, renal denervation is an emerging device-based therapy that has shown to be efficacious and safe in reducing blood pressure in several sham controlled trials. Additionally, it represents a treatment option for patients intolerant to oral pharmacotherapy. University Hospital Galway has been performing renal denervation procedures over the past number of years within multicentre, international sham-controlled trials and registries. Representing a novel and emerging antihypertensive treatment option, sources of referral for renal denervation are diverse and multiple; thus, there is an unmet need for standardised referral structures in Ireland. Herein, we review current and developing referral pathways for renal denervation at our institution, and discuss streamlined patient management and requirements to establish a centre of excellence.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:18Blood and Nerve Supply to the Kidney
Bloody Supply to the Kidneys:
The kidneys receive their blood supply from the renal arteries, which branch off from the abdominal aorta—the main artery supplying the abdomen and lower body. The renal arteries enter the kidneys at the hilum, a notch on the medial side of...
01:26Heart Failure Drugs: Inhibitors of Renin-Angiotensin System