Authors' objectives: To assess the renal sympathetic denervation technique using Symplicity® catheter-based endovascular radiofrequency renal-nerve ablation, in terms of its safety, efficacy and/or effectiveness for treatment of resistant arterial hypertension. Assessment focused mainly on the changes brought about in short- and long-term systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and their effects on cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.

Authors' recommendations: The renal denervation technique reduces blood pressure, which is maintained up to 2 years after performance of the procedure, though ambulatory monitoring at 6 months shows a blood pressure pattern that is similar albeit less pronounced. Other beneficial effects observed included an improvement in glucose metabolism, diastolic function and severity of obstructive sleep apnoea. The technique showed itself to be safe, with a low incidence of immediate and short- and long-term complications. Current evidence is nevertheless based on a small number of studies, with limitations that include: small sample size; overlapping of patients; presence of conflicts of interest; short follow-up; possible biases in the evaluation of variables; and a high degree of heterogeneity in the response to renal sympathetic nerve ablation.

Project Status: Completed

Year Published: 2013

URL for published report: http://www.sergas.es/Docs/Avalia-t/avalia-t201208DenervacionRenal.pdf

English language abstract: An English language summary is available

Publication Type: Not Assigned

Country: Spain

Organisation Name: Scientific Advice Unit, avalia-t; The Galician Health Knowledge Agency (ACIS)

Contact Address: Conselleria de Sanidade, Xunta de Galicia, San Lazaro s/n 15781 Santiago de Compostela, Spain. Tel: 34 981 541831; Fax: 34 981 542854;

Contact Name: avalia-t@sergas.es

Contact Email: avalia-t@sergas.es

Copyright: <p>Galician Agency for Health Technology Assessment (AVALIA-T)</p>