Pulmonary artery denervation for pulmonary arterial hypertension

Pulmonary arterial hypertension remains a progressive, life-limiting disease despite optimal medical therapy. Pulmonary artery denervation has arisen as a novel intervention in the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension, and other forms of pulmonary hypertension, with the aim of reducing the sympathetic activity of the pulmonary circulation. Pre-clinical studies and initial clinical trials have demonstrated that the technique can be performed safely with some positive effects on clinical, haemodynamic and echocardiographic markers of disease. The scope of the technique in current practice remains limited given the absence of well-designed, large-scale, international randomised controlled clinical trials. This review provides an overview of this exciting new treatment modality, including pathophysiology, technical innovations and recent trial results.