Renal Denervation

Hypertension is a leading preventable cause of heart attack, stroke, and death. However, medication and lifestyle modifications are not always enough to control it. In such cases, MarinHealth is proud to offer the Symplicity™ Renal Denervation Procedure as a treatment option.

The Medtronic Symplicity Spyral™ renal denervation (RDN) system — also known as the Symplicity blood pressure procedure — is a minimally invasive procedure that targets nerves near the kidneys that can become overactive and cause high blood pressure. This procedure complements medication and lifestyle changes to treat hypertension. But unlike medications, it maintains blood pressure reductions over a 24-hour period.

Clinically Proven to Reduce High Blood Pressure

The Symplicity blood pressure procedure is clinically proven to help reduce high blood pressure safely and effectively. In a three-year study, more than 20,000 people were treated. Of those treated, there was a 16.7 mmHg blood pressure reduction in a three-year study of people who received the procedure and also took prescribed medications.

Is Renal Denervation Right for You?

Renal Denervation can help people concerned about the health risks of high blood pressure and are interested in all available treatments. While it may not affect how many medications you take, this procedure helps reduce high blood pressure without adding another pill to your daily regimen. The Symplicity Renal Denervation Procedure:

• Is another way to get your numbers down and reduce serious health risks.
• Can help you achieve long-term reductions without the same side effects as medications.
• May be an option for people with uncontrolled high blood pressure, no matter how many medications you have tried or when you were diagnosed.

What to expect on the day of the procedure:

• The procedure is done in the Haynes Heart & Vascular Institute at MarinHealth Medical Center, and takes about an hour.
• After you are sedated, your doctor makes a small incision and inserts a very thin tube (catheter) into the artery leading to the kidney. The doctor then uses the catheter to calm the excessive activity of the nerves connected to the kidney. The tube is removed, leaving no implant behind.
• Some people go home the same day, and some stay overnight, depending on a doctor’s recommendation.

What to expect after the procedure:

Most people resume normal activities within a week after the procedure. Your doctor will decide when you can do the same. At your doctor’s recommendation, you may have two follow-up appointments with the provider who performed your procedure and the provider who treats your high blood pressure.

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle after your procedure can help reduce your blood pressure. We recommend you:

• Get your blood pressure checked
• Follow your doctor’s advice
• Take blood pressure (and other) medication as prescribed
• Make healthy choices about diet, exercise, and smoking