Australian researchers claim cure for high blood pressure

Researchers at the Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Institute in Melbourne have released the results of an international patient trial of a novel new treatment based on radio waves which they say has the potential to revolutionise treatment for blood pressure and other conditions.

The procedure involves a tube device, called the Symplicity Catheter System, being inserted into the renal arteries through the groin, via which radio frequency energy is directed at the sympathetic nerves leading in and out of the kidneys. The process is known as renal denervation.

The international trial involved 106 patients at 24 different sites throughout Australia and Europe.

It found that the procedure resulted in an average blood pressure, otherwise known as hypertension, reduction of 33/11mmHg (Millilitres of mercury) when compared to the control group which received no treatment.

Further, 84 per cent of patients who underwent renal denervation experienced a reduction in systolic blood pressure (blood pressure when the heart is contracting) by more than 10 mmHg. The study also concluded that the therapy has no safety threats, either from the device itself or the procedure.

Principal investigator Professor Murray Esler, Associate Director, Cardiovascular Neurosciences at Baker IDI, presented the findings this week to the American Heart Association, which coincided with their publication this week in The Lancet.

The Melbourne researchers cited recent research showing that each incremental 20/10 mmHg increase of blood pressure above normal levels could lead to a doubling of cardiovascular activity over 10 years, while a reduction of systolic blood pressure by as little as 5 mmHg could result in a 30 percent reduction in the risk of stroke.

Commenting on the trial, Professor Esler said: "Combined with findings from the earlier Symplicity HTN-1 study, which demonstrated the safety and durability of the therapy out to two years, these results, show that this procedure has the potential to become a truly revolutionary treatment with the scope to significantly impact the standard of care for the large number of patients suffering from uncontrolled blood pressure”.

Fellow principle investigator Professor Markus Schlaich of Baker IDI said; "Hypertension often has no symptoms yet significantly increases a patient's risk of heart attack, stroke or death.

"We know the renal sympathetic nerves play a crucial role in blood pressure elevation and this study proves they can be specifically targeted with our novel approach. Renal denervation is a safe, quick and minimally invasive procedure that leads to a substantial and sustained blood pressure reduction without major side effects. "

The Symplicity Catheter System has received TGA approval in Australia, with its developers anticipating that it will be available for routine clinical application within the next 12 months.