Capital District Times

Interventional cardiologists at Albany Medical Center have introduced a new treatment for patients with uncontrolled hypertension. Renal Denervation Therapy (RDN) is now available in the Capital Region, offering hope to those with resistant hypertension. This condition persists despite medication and lifestyle changes.

The procedure is minimally invasive and catheter-based, targeting nerves around the renal arteries. It uses radiofrequency or ultrasound energy to reduce nervous system activity, crucial for blood pressure regulation. "Renal Denervation Therapy is a novel approach that has shown to be effective in lowering blood pressure in patients whose hypertension is uncontrolled despite the use of multiple antihypertensive medications," said Neil Yager, DO, MBA, an interventional cardiologist at Albany Medical Center and assistant professor of medicine at Albany Medical College. He added, "We’re excited to be the first in the region to offer this therapy to patients."

Performed under general anesthesia, most patients return home the same day. The first procedure was completed last fall on a patient with severe treatment-resistant hypertension who used five different medications without success. Dr. Yager noted that after one month post-procedure, "he experienced a significant reduction in blood pressure and was able to discontinue one of his medications."

Further improvements can occur over time due to reduced nerve activity leading to the kidney. Five additional RDN procedures have been performed since then.

Dr. Yager emphasized that establishing a renal denervation program requires a structured approach involving specialized equipment for renal artery catheterization and trained interventional cardiologists. Patient selection criteria are also essential components of this program.

"Multidisciplinary collaboration is crucial, involving cardiologists, nephrologists, nurses and technicians to offer comprehensive counseling before the procedure, ensure proper patient monitoring, and provide follow-up care," stated Dr. Yager. He expressed gratitude for having a dedicated team at Albany Medical Center that played an essential role in launching this program.

Albany Med Health System continues its commitment to high-quality heart care using advanced techniques and surgical procedures for various medical issues through its structural heart program at Albany Medical Center. As part of an academic health system, it provides access to clinical trials for new treatments and devices while benefiting from ongoing research conducted at Albany Medical College.

Patients seeking heart care services can visit Albany Medical Center or other affiliated hospitals such as Columbia Memorial Health, Glens Falls Hospital, and Saratoga Hospital with options available for more advanced care transfers if needed.