SUMMIT, N.J. (Union County) — Atlantic Health Overlook Medical Center has begun offering a newly approved procedure designed to help lower high blood pressure by calming overactive nerves near the kidneys, hospital officials announced.
The Symplicity Spyral renal denervation system, approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in November 2023, is a minimally invasive treatment intended for patients whose hypertension is not adequately controlled through lifestyle changes and medication.
The procedure, also known as the Symplicity blood pressure procedure, targets nerves near the kidneys that can contribute to elevated blood pressure. Doctors use a thin tube inserted through an artery to deliver energy that calms nerve activity linked to hypertension.
“Many people with hypertension struggle with control over their condition,” said interventional cardiologist David Bartov, medical director of Atlantic Health Overlook’s cardiac catheterization laboratory, who performed the hospital’s first Symplicity procedure in early March. “Renal denervation is a very exciting advancement that now makes control and peace of mind possible for many patients with high blood pressure.”
According to the hospital, hypertension affects about half of U.S. adults and is considered the leading contributor to death nationwide. Officials said about 80% of adults who know they have hypertension still do not have the condition under control.
During the procedure, doctors perform an ablation using radio frequency or ultrasound technology to heat tissue containing nerves near the renal artery. The process reduces hormones that contribute to high blood pressure while leaving surrounding tissue unaffected, officials said. No implant is left behind after the procedure.
Hospital officials said lowering blood pressure through renal denervation may help reduce the risk of cardiovascular events, including stroke and heart failure, especially for patients who have not responded adequately to medications or lifestyle modifications.
“Renal denervation can reduce the number of medications some people need to take to control their blood pressure,” said Dr. Bartov. “For people who don’t tolerate their medications or have significant side effects or interactions, renal denervation should be considered an important option.”
The procedure takes about one hour, and patients are typically discharged the same day, according to the hospital.
“Lowering your blood pressure is one of the most important things you can do to protect your heart and brain,” said Dr. Bartov. “There’s no question that prevention of cardiovascular disease is better than treatment after a cardiovascular event.”
