Ultrasound Renal Denervation

    Overview

    Managing high blood pressure (hypertension) can be challenging, especially if it remains uncontrolled despite medications and lifestyle changes. For people with resistant hypertension—a condition where blood pressure remains high even with multiple medications—there’s a new, minimally invasive treatment option: ultrasound renal denervation.

    This innovative procedure targets overactive nerves in the kidneys that contribute to high blood pressure, offering another tool to help lower your numbers and reduce cardiovascular risks.

    What is ultrasound renal denervation?

    Renal denervation is a procedure designed to lower blood pressure by reducing the activity of the sympathetic nerves surrounding the renal arteries. These nerves help regulate blood pressure, but when they become overactive, they can contribute to hypertension.

    Using advanced ultrasound technology, the procedure disrupts these overactive nerves, helping to lower blood pressure safely and effectively.

    How it works

    1. Ultrasound energy: Ultrasound energy is delivered to the walls of the renal arteries.
    2. Targeting the nerves: The energy selectively disrupts the sympathetic nerves around the arteries without damaging the blood vessels.
    3. Sustained effect: Calming these overactive nerves can lead to gradual, lasting blood pressure reduction.

    This approach focuses directly on one of the underlying causes of high blood pressure rather than just treating the symptoms.

    During the procedure

    Renal denervation is a minimally invasive, catheter-based procedure:

    1. You will be placed under light sedation for comfort.
    2. A thin, flexible tube (catheter) is inserted into an artery in the groin or wrist and guided to the renal arteries.
    3. The ultrasound device delivers energy to the surrounding nerves, disrupting their activity.

    The procedure typically takes about an hour, and most patients go home the same or the next day.

    Who should consider renal denervation?

    Ultrasound renal denervation may be a good option if you:

    • Have resistant hypertension that remains uncontrolled despite taking three or more blood pressure medications, including a diuretic.
    • Cannot tolerate certain blood pressure medications due to side effects.
    • Are looking for additional treatment options to complement your current care.

    Life after renal denervation

    • Gradual blood pressure reduction: Improvements may occur over weeks and months.
    • Works with medications: The procedure complements your current treatment plan.
    • Minimal downtime: Most patients resume normal activities within a day or two.

    Contact us

    If you are struggling with uncontrolled hypertension and seeking new options, ultrasound renal denervation might be the solution you need. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward better blood pressure management.

    For more information, or to schedule an appointment, please contact SIU Medicine at 217.545.8000.

    Why SIU

    Continually learning

    With a focus on continual improvement, our doctors take the time to research, study and innovate to provide the latest treatments for our patients.

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    Our care ranges from primary care physicians to specialists and sub-specialists who have advanced training. We're here for you when you need us.

    Breakthrough tech

    Continually teaching the next generation of doctors, our physicians use the latest developments in procedures and technologies for our patients.