Effects of renal denervation on the incidence and severity of cardiovascular diseases

Abstract

Renal denervation (RDN) is a neuromodulation therapy performed in patients with hypertension using an intraarterial catheter. Recent randomized sham-controlled trials have shown that RDN has significant antihypertensive effects that last for more than 3 years. Based on this evidence, the US Food and Drug Administration has approved two devices, the ultrasound-based ReCor ParadiseTM RDN system and the radiofrequency-based Medtronic Symplicity SpyralTM RDN system, as adjunctive therapy for patients with refractory and uncontrolled hypertension. On the other hand, there have been no randomized sham-controlled prospective outcome trials on RDN, and the effects of RDN on cardiovascular events such as myocardial infarction, heart failure, and stroke have not been elucidated. This mini-review summarizes the latest findings focusing on the effects of RDN on organ protection and physiological function and symptoms in both preclinical and clinical studies. Furthermore, the feasibility of using blood pressure as surrogate marker for cardiovascular outcomes is discussed in the context of relevant clinical studies on RDN. A comprehensive understanding of the beneficial effects of RDN on the incidence and severity of cardiovascular diseases with their underlying mechanisms will enhance physicians’ ability to incorporate RDN into clinical strategies to prevent cardiovascular events including myocardial infarction, heart failure, and stroke. This mini-review focuses on the effects of RDN on organ protection and physiological function and symptoms in preclinical and clinical studies. RDN is expected to reduce the onset and progression of cardiovascular diseases including myocardial infarction, heart failure, and stroke in clinical practice.