Vascular Disease Patient Information Page: Renal denervation
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By
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Amee Sangani
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R Kevin Rogers
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Elizabeth V Ratchford
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Shea E Hogan
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June 23, 2026
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Clinical Scorecard: Patient Resource on Renal Denervation for Vascular Disease Management
At a Glance
| Category | Detail |
|---|
| Condition | Resistant Hypertension |
| Key Mechanisms | Disruption of sympathetic nerves in renal arteries to lower blood pressure. |
| Target Population | Patients with uncontrolled hypertension despite multiple medications. |
| Care Setting | Outpatient procedure center or hospital. |
Key Highlights
- RDN is effective in reducing blood pressure by 5–10 mmHg.
- Two FDA-approved systems: Spyral (radiofrequency) and Paradise (ultrasound).
- Only interventional cardiologists are trained to perform RDN.
- Patients must be monitored for true resistant hypertension before RDN.
- Certain patient groups are not candidates for RDN due to lack of study.
Guideline-Based Recommendations
Diagnosis
- Confirm resistant hypertension with repeated blood pressure readings.
Management
- Consider RDN for patients with uncontrolled hypertension despite multiple medications.
Monitoring & Follow-up
- Regular blood pressure monitoring in outpatient and home settings.
Risks
- Potential risks include arterial injury, blood clot formation, infection, and bleeding.
Patient & Prescribing Data
Patients with resistant hypertension and additional cardiovascular risk factors.
RDN has not been well studied in patients with moderate-to-severe kidney disease, renal artery stenosis, or prior kidney transplant.
Clinical Best Practices
- Review medication list and provide pre-procedure instructions.
- Use imaging to guide needle and catheter placement.
- Monitor for signs of bleeding or infection post-procedure.
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