Controversies related to renal artery denervation and devices

Purpose of review This review article discusses the controversies, strengths, and limitations of the current literature on renal artery denervation in the management of resistant hypertension, as well as the future directions of this intervention. Recent findings There have been conflicting data from the different randomized control trials assessing the efficacy of renal artery denervation in the management of resistant hypertension. Summary Renal artery denervation is achieved by ablating the sympathetic nerves surrounding the renal arteries using endovascular ultrasound, radiofrequency, or alcohol. Our review article highlights that renal artery denervation is generally effective in improving blood pressure in patients with resistant hypertension. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recently approved the ReCor Medical Paradise system, and the Symplicity Spyral RDN systems for renal artery denervation.