TREATMENTS & procedures
Renal Denervation (RDN)
Procedure Overview
For some patients, lifestyle changes and medications are not enough to manage hypertension, placing them in the category of resistant hypertension. In these cases, we introduce renal artery denervation (RDN) - a minimally invasive procedure designed to help lower high blood pressure independently of medication.
1 hr
Procedure Time
Same-day
Discharge
Mild
Sedation
Minimally
Invasive
1 hr
Procedure Time
Same-day
Discharge
Mild
Sedation
Minimally
Invasive
What is Renal Denervation?
Resistant hypertension is defined as blood pressure remaining above goal despite the use of three or more antihypertensive medications (often including a diuretic) at appropriate doses, or the need for four or more medications to achieve control. The presence of resistant hypertension significantly increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, kidney disease, and other life‑threatening complications. For patients whose blood pressure remains high despite multiple medications, advanced evaluation and specialized treatment options are essential.
Renal denervation is intended to complement, not replace, medical therapy. While many patients experience meaningful blood pressure reductions, individual responses vary, and medication adjustments are often still required. All patients undergo a comprehensive hypertension evaluation to confirm true resistant hypertension, exclude secondary causes, assess medication adherence, and determine optimal individualized therapy.
How the Procedure Works?
Renal denervation (RDN) is performed using a thin catheter inserted through either the femoral artery in the groin or the radial artery in the wrist. The procedure typically takes about one hour and has an excellent safety profile.
1
Access
A thin catheter is inserted through the femoral artery (groin) or radial artery (wrist) under mild sedation.
2
Guidance
The catheter is guided into the renal arteries that supply blood to the kidneys.
3
Ablation
Controlled radiofrequency or ultrasound energy is delivered to ablate the overactive nerves around the arteries.
4
Recovery
Most patients go home the same day and return to normal activities shortly afterward.
Who Benefits from RDN?
Renal denervation (RDN) is intended for individuals with:
Intended for patients with
- Resistant hypertension — blood pressure remains elevated despite the use of multiple medications.
- Medication intolerance — patients who cannot tolerate standard blood pressure medications.
Candidates must also have
- Healthy kidneys and renal arteries that are suitable for the procedure, as determined through imaging
- Specialist evaluation.
Additional Information
Why choose the rooney heart institute
As a Complex Hypertension Center of Excellence, we combine leading‑edge diagnostics, multidisciplinary expertise, and the latest innovations to help patients achieve safer, more stable blood pressure control.