SGMC Health Offers Innovative Treatment for Resistant High Blood Pressure

SGMC Health is offering a new treatment for patients with high blood pressure that is difficult to control called renal denervation (RDN). Recently approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), this procedure uses a special system called Symplicity Spyral™ to calm overactive nerves near the kidneys, which can contribute to high blood pressure.

Interventional Cardiologists Edward Distler, DO, Luke Seibolt, MD, and Daryoosh Derakhshan, DO, will be performing this new procedure. “Many people struggle with high blood pressure, even when they take multiple medications and make healthy lifestyle changes. This procedure gives us another way to help them bring their numbers down and reduce health risks,” said Dr. Distler.

High blood pressure is a serious condition that affects nearly half of all adults in the U.S. and increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Unfortunately, about 80% of people who know they have high blood pressure still don’t have it under control. This new treatment has been proven to help lower blood pressure and improve overall health.

The procedure is simple and minimally invasive. While the patient is lightly sedated, the doctor inserts a small tube into an artery leading to the kidney. Energy is then used to calm the nerves that contribute to high blood pressure. The tube is removed at the end, and no implant is left behind.

“This procedure provides long-lasting benefits without requiring a permanent device in the body,” said Dr. Distler. “At SGMC Health, we are committed to bringing the latest medical advancements to our community, and we’re proud to offer this new option for people struggling with high blood pressure.”

SGMC Health is the region’s leader in heart care. It is the only hospital in the area with a full open-heart surgery program, a structural heart center, and an advanced heart rhythm program. As a Level I Emergency Cardiac Care Center, SGMC Health continually improves its services so that patients have access to the best treatments close to home.

For more information about this new treatment and to see if it might be right for you, visit sgmc.org or talk to your doctor.