Glossary Term
Renal Denervation
Definition
Renal denervation (RDN) is a minimally invasive procedure aimed at reducing high blood pressure (hypertension) by disrupting the sympathetic nerves located in the renal arteries. These nerves play a role in regulating blood pressure and fluid balance, and overactivity of these nerves can contribute to hypertension. During the procedure, a catheter is inserted into the renal arteries through a small incision in the groin, and radiofrequency energy or other energy sources are applied to ablate (destroy) the sympathetic nerve fibers, thereby reducing their activity and lowering blood pressure.
Relevance to the MedTech Industry
Renal denervation is a treatment option for patients with resistant hypertension —hypertension that is not controlled by lifestyle changes or medications. RDN aims to reduce the overactive sympathetic nerve activity in the kidneys, which is often a contributor to high blood pressure, thus providing patients with a potential alternative to traditional pharmacological treatments.
Additional Information & Related Terms
Core Aspects of of Renal Denervation
Catheter-Based Systems:
The primary device used in renal denervation is a catheter that is inserted into the renal arteries. The catheter delivers energy (e.g., radiofrequency, ultrasound) to ablate the sympathetic nerve fibers responsible for hypertension.
Energy Delivery Mechanism:
Different energy delivery methods are used for renal denervation, with radiofrequency energy being the most common. Other methods include ultrasound and laser energy, each with distinct advantages in terms of precision and tissue penetration.
Device Navigation and Imaging:
Accurate placement of the catheter is critical to the success of the procedure. Advanced imaging and navigation technologies (e.g., fluoroscopy, ultrasound, CT scans) are used to guide the catheter to the renal arteries and ensure proper energy delivery.
Safety Features:
Given the proximity of the renal arteries to critical structures (e.g., the aorta), renal denervation devices must include safety features to prevent inadvertent damage to surrounding tissues. These features may include temperature monitoring, pressure control, or automatic feedback systems.
Related Terms
Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA): The process used in renal denervation to deliver energy to the renal nerves and disrupt their function, reducing sympathetic nervous system activity.
Hypertension: High blood pressure, often referred to as the "silent killer," which is the primary condition treated by renal denervation.
Sympathetic Nervous System: The part of the nervous system responsible for the “fight or flight” response, which influences blood pressure and other physiological processes. Overactivity of these nerves can contribute to hypertension.
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD): A long-term condition where kidney function declines, often complicated by uncontrolled hypertension, which renal denervation aims to manage.
Resistant Hypertension: A form of high blood pressure that does not respond to typical antihypertensive medications, often treated with renal denervation.