New renal procedure improves blood pressure, heart health

Fort Worth, Texas — In an important stride toward improving cardiovascular health, Medical City Fort Worth became the first hospital in Tarrant County to perform an advanced renal procedure aimed at helping patients with uncontrolled high blood pressure. Renal denervation, also called renal ablation, is a minimally invasive procedure that works to treat high blood pressure that has been resistant to medication.

Using a catheter, doctors deliver controlled heat energy pulses to the renal arteries, vital blood vessels that supply blood to the kidneys. Overactive signals from nerves in the kidneys, heart and brain can raise blood pressure. The application of heated energy removes the renal nerves, resulting in reduced nerve activity and a corresponding decrease in blood pressure. The procedure lasts approximately 30 to 45 minutes, and no devices, like stents, are left inside the body.

A team led by interventional cardiologists Farhan Ali, MD, and Amir Malik, MD, recently performed the procedure for the first time. The same day, the patient’s blood pressure dropped 20 points in the diastolic pressure and 15 points in the systolic pressure. Uncontrolled high blood pressure can lead to heart attack, stroke, heart failure and other serious health complications.

“We are proud to provide exceptional, leading-edge care through continuous innovation,” says John Hoover, Medical City Fort Worth CEO. “Bringing this groundbreaking procedure to our area underscores our commitment to offering the latest advancements and providing healthier tomorrows to our community.”

Studies show significant, safe and sustained blood pressure reduction from renal denervation. To qualify as a candidate, patients must have:

• Hypertension resistant to medication
• Healthy blood vessels

Learn more about cardiology services at Medical City Fort Worth.