Recent advances in the approach to catheter-based renal denervation

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Nephrology
• Interventional Radiology

Background:

• Renal denervation (RDN) is an interventional technique targeting renal nerves to reduce blood pressure.
• Sympathetic and sensory nerve traffic in renal nerves significantly contributes to hypertension.
• Clinical trials demonstrate sustained blood pressure reduction with RDN.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review hypertension pathophysiology and RDN techniques.
• To explore patient selection criteria for optimal RDN outcomes.
• To discuss potential benefits of RDN in other conditions.

Main Methods:

• A non-systematic review of Medline and Scopus databases.
• Literature search conducted from June 1, 2025, to March 1, 2026.
• Focused on hypertension, RDN techniques, and patient outcomes.

Main Results:

• Sham-controlled trials confirm RDN's efficacy in reducing blood pressure for resistant hypertension.
• RDN demonstrates a favorable safety profile.
• Novel RDN systems (ultrasound, chemical) and procedural enhancements show promise.

Conclusions:

• RDN is a proven, safe, and effective treatment for resistant hypertension.
• Ongoing research focuses on system superiority and optimizing procedural techniques.
• Renal nerve stimulation may further improve RDN outcomes.