In a significant victory for heart health in the Garden State, Atlantic Health Overlook Medical Center has launched a cutting-edge procedure designed to lower high blood pressure by “calming” overactive nerves connected to the kidneys.
The procedure utilizes the Symplicity Spyral™ renal denervation (RDN) system, a technology approved by the FDA in late 2023. By targeting the communication line between the brain and the kidneys, cardiologists at Overlook are now providing a new sense of hope for the millions of Americans who struggle to control hypertension through traditional means.
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, affects nearly 50% of U.S. adults and is the single largest contributor to death globally. Alarmingly, roughly 80% of those aware of their condition do not have it under control, often due to medication side effects, complex pill regimens, or simple biology.
The Symplicity procedure is intended as an adjunctive treatment for patients whose blood pressure remains high despite lifestyle changes and medication.
“Many people with hypertension struggle with control over their condition,” Dr. David Bartov, medical director of Overlook’s cardiac catheterization laboratory, who performed the hospital’s first such procedure in early March, said. “Renal denervation is a very exciting advancement that now makes control and peace of mind possible.”
The procedure is minimally invasive and requires only mild sedation. During the roughly one-hour process:
- Access: A doctor inserts a thin tube into the artery leading to the kidney.
- Ablation: Using radiofrequency or ultrasound energy, the system “calms” the excessive activity of the renal nerves found in the tissue near the artery.
- Hormone Regulation: This reduction in nerve activity limits the release of hormones that cause blood pressure to spike.
- Same-Day Recovery: No implant is left behind, the tube is removed, and most patients are able to go home the same day.
One of the most significant benefits of renal denervation is the potential to reduce an individual’s reliance on daily pharmaceuticals.
“For people who don’t tolerate their medications or have significant side effects or interactions, renal denervation should be considered an important option,” Dr. Bartov added. He noted that lowering blood pressure through this method significantly reduces the risk of catastrophic cardiovascular events, such as stroke and heart failure.
“Lowering your blood pressure is one of the most important things you can do to protect your heart and brain,” Bartov said. “There’s no question that prevention of cardiovascular disease is better than treatment after a cardiovascular event.”
