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 procedure employs the advanced Symplicity Spyral system to target and calm overactive nerves located near the kidneys, which can significantly contribute to elevated blood pressure levels.
Interventional cardiologists Edward Distler, DO, Luke Seibolt, MD, and Daryoosh Derakhshan, DO, will be among the first to perform this innovative procedure at SGMC Health. 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 is a pervasive health issue, impacting nearly half of all adults in the United States. Alarmingly, approximately 80% of individuals diagnosed with high blood pressure fail to manage their condition effectively, which can lead to serious complications such as heart attacks and strokes. The newly approved RDN procedure has been shown to lower blood pressure and enhance overall health, according to a press release from SGMC Health.
Details of the Procedure
The RDN procedure is designed to be minimally invasive and straightforward. During the operation, patients are lightly sedated while a small tube is inserted into an artery leading to the kidney. Through this tube, energy is applied to calm the nerves responsible for high blood pressure. Following 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 added. “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’s Commitment to Cardiac Care
SGMC Health is recognized as the leading provider of heart care in the region. It stands out as the only hospital in the area featuring a comprehensive open-heart surgery program, a structural heart center, and an advanced heart rhythm program. As a designated Level I Emergency Cardiac Care Center, SGMC Health remains dedicated to enhancing its services, ensuring that patients have access to the most effective treatments close to home.
With the introduction of renal denervation, SGMC Health continues to position itself at the forefront of medical innovation, offering hope and improved health outcomes for individuals grappling with resistant high blood pressure.
