Minimally invasive reduction of high blood pressure
A new, gentle procedure can be used to better control high blood pressure in patients who do not respond sufficiently to medication alone / Study at the University Heart Center Campus Bad Krozingen of the Medical Center - University of Freiburg
Chronic high blood pressure is one of the most common cardiovascular diseases in Europe. For some of those affected, blood pressure cannot be sufficiently reduced by medication and lifestyle changes. They could benefit from a new procedure that is now being investigated in a study at the University Heart Center - University of Freiburg Medical Center. In a minimally invasive procedure, the nerve fibers of the kidney that are partly responsible for chronic high blood pressure are sclerosed using a catheter inserted via the inguinal artery. The new minimally invasive technique could make the procedure known as renal denervation even more effective. Interested parties can contact: 07633 402-4983 or -4971 or at IGZ@universitaets-herzzentrum.de
"Sclerotherapy of the renal nerves has been used successfully for a long time to treat chronic high blood pressure. By using the latest minimally invasive catheter technology, we hope to make the procedure even safer and more effective for patients," explains senior physician Dr. Elias Noory, Head of the Catheter Laboratory for Peripheral Interventions, Interventional Hypertensiology and Hypertension Outpatient Clinic at the Department of Cardiology and Angiology II at the Medical Center - University of Freiburg. "Those affected should not take chronic high blood pressure lightly. Among other things, it significantly increases the risk of heart attack and stroke," says Noory.
Course of the study and treatment
The study is suitable for patients whose high blood pressure is higher than 140/90 mmHg despite taking at least two antihypertensive drugs. After a detailed information and education session and preliminary outpatient examinations, all test subjects undergo contrast imaging of the renal artery. The patients are then randomly assigned to the treatment or control group.
During the procedure itself, an experienced physicians pushes the specially developed catheter through the inguinal artery to the kidney, where the corresponding nerve fibers are sclerosed by a painless injection of three drops of alcohol into the vessel wall of the renal artery. As a result, fewer stress hormones are released, which leads to a reduction in blood pressure in the majority of those treated. "The function of the kidney is not impaired by the procedure," emphasizes Noory. The minimally invasive procedure is gentle on patients, who can usually leave the clinic after one to two days. Regular check-ups in the months following the procedure offer a high level of safety for patients.
Contact:
Dr. Elias Noory
Senior Consultant
Head of the Catheter Laboratory for Peripheral Interventions, Interventional Hypertensiology and Hypertension Outpatient Clinic
Department of Cardiology and Angiology II
Medical Center - University of Freiburg
Phone: 07633 402-2431
IGZ@universitaets-herzzentrum.de
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