Hypertension Can Now Be Treated with Surgery: RDN Emerges as the Third Pillar in Hypertension Management

On November 7, at the 7th China International Import Expo ("CIIE"), Medtronic held a special event themed "For Comfort, Embark on a New Journey," and launched the "Hypertension Patient Care Public Welfare Project" in collaboration with the Chinese Red Cross Foundation. This initiative provides public RDN treatment for patients with refractory and drug-intolerant hypertension, strongly promoting the accessibility of this therapy and enhancing public awareness.

Hypertension, as a chronic disease that requires lifelong management, is also a significant risk factor for the onset and mortality of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, making it a true "silent killer." Traditional treatment methods include medication and lifestyle interventions, both of which require lifelong adherence and compliance from patients. In practice, issues such as unauthorized discontinuation of medication or forgetting to take medicine can easily occur, leading to more frequent fluctuations in blood pressure.

Renal Artery Radiofrequency Ablation (RDN) is a new method for treating hypertension through interventional means. The Medtronic Symplicity Spyral Renal Artery Sympathetic Nerve Ablation System, which debuted at the CIIE, lowers blood pressure by physically blocking the conduction of sympathetic nerve excitement. Compared with traditional drug treatments, it effectively avoids the influence of factors such as patient compliance and drug half-life, providing a new treatment option for patients with refractory and drug-resistant hypertension. Meanwhile, as the first domestically launched product of its kind in China, it truly marks a leap in hypertension treatment in China from the era of pure medication to minimally invasive surgical treatment.

Professor Xu Jianzhong from Ruijin Hospital, affiliated with the Medical College of Shanghai Jiao Tong University, stated: "RDN for hypertension breaks the long-standing dilemma of patients relying on medication, overcomes issues of medication adherence, and results in a round-the-clock reduction in blood pressure post-procedure, meaning the decrease in blood pressure is stable. It addresses the issue of blood pressure fluctuations within 24 hours caused by the peak and trough effects of drug concentration in the blood."

Jia Tao, Vice President of Medtronic's Coronary and Renal Denervation Business in China, introduced, "With the continuous support of accumulating evidence-based and clinical data, RDN therapy has become the 'third pillar' in hypertension treatment. Today, using the platform of the CIIE, we aim to make more professionals and the general public aware of this therapy, bringing new hope to patients with hypertension."

As a minimally invasive interventional procedure, RDN does not leave any implants in the body after the surgery. Data has shown that Symplicity hypertension treatment demonstrates sustained blood pressure reduction in real-world settings, with an average decrease of 18.2 mmHg over three years, allowing patients to return to normal life more quickly. Professor Chengjian Xiu from Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, mentioned during the RDN Special Train Journey's science popularization session: "RDN therapy can effectively improve the rate of achieving target blood pressure in hypertensive patients, delay the progression of target organ damage, and enhance the quality of life for patients. With the promotion and application of this technology, more patients will be able to break free from the constraints of hypertension through RDN therapy and embrace a new life in the future."

At the CIIE, Medtronic, in collaboration with the China Red Cross Foundation, launched the "Hypertension Patient Care Project." This public welfare initiative will provide assistance to economically disadvantaged hypertension patients, reducing the financial burden of disease treatment and helping patients and their families better manage the condition. Additionally, Medtronic will work with the foundation to reach grassroots communities, further promoting awareness of hypertension prevention and strongly advocating for innovative hypertension treatment technologies.

Guo Yang, Deputy Secretary-General of the China Red Cross Foundation, said at the event site: "Hypertension is a widespread and common chronic disease. Long-term blood pressure control and medication treatment, as well as the potential risk of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, have caused many individuals and families to suffer both mentally and economically. We will bring this care to the places where it is most needed, making blood pressure control truly accessible to all in China."

Hu ShiYu, Market Director of the RDN Product Team under Medtronic's Coronary and Renal Denervation Business Department in China, stated: "The launch of this hypertension patient care project aims to leverage the strength and influence of the Red Cross Foundation to alleviate the financial burden for patients with refractory hypertension undergoing RDN treatment, bringing a more comfortable life to more patients. At the same time, it seeks to raise public awareness and prevention consciousness about hypertension, promoting better health management for patients and their families."