SGMC Health in Valdosta has introduced a groundbreaking treatment for patients suffering from resistant high blood pressure, known as renal denervation (RDN). Recently approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), this innovative procedure employs the Symplicity Spyral system to target overactive nerves near the kidneys, which can significantly contribute to hypertension.
Interventional cardiologists Edward Distler, DO, Luke Seibolt, MD, and Daryoosh Derakhshan, DO will be performing the procedure, which aims to provide relief for those who struggle to manage their blood pressure despite adhering to medication regimens and lifestyle changes. Dr. Distler emphasized the importance of this treatment, stating, “Many people struggle with high blood pressure, even when they take multiple medications and make healthy lifestyle changes. This procedure gives us another way to help them bring their numbers down and reduce health risks.”
High blood pressure, a critical health issue, affects nearly half of all adults in the U.S. and significantly increases the risk of serious health events such as heart attacks and strokes. Alarmingly, approximately 80% of individuals aware of their high blood pressure remain unable to control it effectively. The new RDN treatment has demonstrated efficacy in lowering blood pressure levels and enhancing overall health, according to a press release from SGMC Health.
Minimally Invasive Procedure Offers Long-Lasting Benefits
The renal denervation procedure is designed to be simple and minimally invasive. While patients are lightly sedated, a small tube is inserted into an artery leading to the kidneys. Energy is then applied through this tube to calm the nerves responsible for elevated blood pressure. At the conclusion of the procedure, the tube is removed, leaving no permanent device within the body.
“This procedure provides long-lasting benefits without requiring a permanent device in the body,” Dr. Distler noted. “At SGMC Health, we are committed to bringing the latest medical advancements to our community, and we’re proud to offer this new option for people struggling with high blood pressure.”
SGMC Health: A Leader in Cardiac Care
SGMC Health stands out as the region’s leading provider of heart care, being the only hospital in the area that offers a comprehensive open-heart surgery program, a structural heart center, and an advanced heart rhythm program. Recognized as a Level I Emergency Cardiac Care Center, SGMC Health continues to enhance its services, ensuring that patients have access to the most effective treatments close to home.
As this new treatment gains traction, SGMC Health reinforces its commitment to improving patient outcomes and addressing the challenges posed by resistant hypertension, a condition that affects millions worldwide.
