The Current State and Future of Renal Denervation: A Review

Renal denervation as an option for difficult to treat hypertension has been a concept for several decades, with recent U.S. FDA approval of new, minimally invasive devices. However, while renal denervation has the potential to improve hypertension management, several challenges require consideration prior to widespread adoption. The effect relative to sham control is modest, and generally similar to addition of a single blood pressure lowering medication. It is possible that with additional technique refinement greater effects may be possible. Key factors to consider beyond the direction, strengths, and limitations of the renal denervation technologies themselves, are an understanding of patient groups that derive greatest benefit and phenotypes or biomarkers that predict greater response. This review provides an update on these challenges in addition to the current state and future of renal denervation within the context of hypertension management and treatment.