Long-term follow-up after radio-frequency catheter-based denervation in patients with resistant hypertension

The aim of this single-center study was to asses the long-term clinical data of patients with resistant hypertension who underwent radiofrequency renal denervation (RND).MethodsOut of 86 patients with resistant-hypertension, 15 pts fulfilled the study criteria for performing RND using Simplicity system by Medtronic.ResultsBaseline office systolic BP was 204 ± 32.7 and diastolic BP 107.7 ± 15.1 mm Hg. Baseline 24 h ambulatory systolic BP was 151.8 ± 13.9 and diastolic BP 86.8 ± 13.8 mm Hg. Patients were treated with an average of 5 antihypertensive agents in maximally tolerated doses (including diuretic) during the whole trial and were followed up at 1,6,24 month after RND. At every appointment an echocardiography, blood test, and blood pressure (office and ABMP) measurements were performed. The mean reduction in office systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) blood pressure were the following:-1 month after RND − 39 (± 28.6)/− 15 (± 12.8) mm Hg.-6 months after RND − 47 (± 29.14)/− 22 (± 13.26) mm Hg.-24 months after RND − 49 (± 37.7)/− 20 (± 11.5) mm Hg.-The mean reduction in 24 h ambulatory systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) blood pressure were the following:-1 month after RND − 7.4 (± 16.4)/− 8.7 (± 22.05) mm Hg.-6 months after RND − 11.3 (± 16.1)/− 9.5 (± 19.15) mm Hg.-24 months after RND − 9.6 (± 16.3)/− 7.9 (± 15.03) mm Hg.There were no procedural complications. All denervations were performed by experienced operator.ConclusionsWe regard RND as a safe and effective procedure in resistant hypertension, although more studies and trials are needed to find the most adequate model of a patient that would be a good responder to RND.