Radiofrequency-Based ERAD -- New Tx for Primary Hypertension

Background: Endovascular renal artery denervation, also called ERAD, is a new procedure that can decrease renal and systemic sympathetic overactivity in patients who have drug-resistant primary hypertension. This new procedure may treat other diseases with sympathetic overactivity such as heart failure, kidney disease, insulin resistance, and nephropathy. Objective: To help interventional radiologists know how, when and why ERAD should be performed. Design: Review article.  Discussion: Resistant hypertension is a blood pressure that cannot be reduced to target levels despite the use of 3 blood pressure medications at maximal doses, including a diuretic. Other causes of resistant hypertension are use of alcohol and other drugs, or poor compliance. Patients having poor adverse reactions to antihypertensive treatment may also be candidates. Causes of secondary hypertension (polycystic kidney disease, hydronephrosis, renal tumors, functional or structural kidney disorders, renovascu more...