Medical specialists at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi have introduced renal denervation therapy, a minimally invasive procedure aimed at treating patients with resistant hypertension who have not responded to conventional treatments.
The catheter-based intervention employs radiofrequency or ultrasound energy to target and disrupt overactive nerves surrounding the renal arteries. These nerves, which play a crucial role in blood pressure regulation, are accessed through a small groin incision under fluoroscopic guidance. The procedure is performed under local anaesthesia and typically requires only a one-day hospital stay.
Patient selection and therapeutic context
Dr Ronney Shantouf, Staff Physician in Cardiovascular Medicine at the hospital’s Heart, Vascular & Thoracic Institute, highlighted the significance of identifying suitable candidates: “We frequently see patients whose surgical procedures are delayed due to uncontrolled high blood pressure. This procedure provides added therapeutic option for patients not responding to medical therapy.”
The treatment’s efficacy stems from its precise targeting of sympathetic nerve fibres that contribute to blood pressure regulation. Dr Ashraf M. Azzoni, Staff Physician in Cardiovascular Medicine, explained: “This technology allows us to address one of the underlying causes of high blood pressure that conventional treatments may struggle to manage.”
Healthcare delivery implications
The introduction of this procedure represents a significant addition to the cardiovascular treatment options available in the UAE region. The hospital employs a multidisciplinary approach, combining the expertise of interventional cardiologists, vascular surgeons, and anaesthesia specialists to deliver comprehensive care.
Dr George Haber, CEO of Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, emphasised the broader implications: “This procedure marks a major advancement in our cardiovascular care, reinforcing our shared mission to drive innovation and implement tech-enabled health solutions that are transforming the traditional healthcare landscape.”
The therapy’s implementation is particularly relevant given the World Health Organization’s identification of hypertension as a major contributor to premature mortality globally. Patients typically observe improvements in blood pressure control over several months post-procedure, potentially reducing their risk of serious cardiovascular complications such as stroke and heart attack.
The procedure is now available at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi’s Heart, Vascular & Thoracic Institute, which operates as part of the M42 group, providing local access to advanced cardiovascular care for patients in the UAE and surrounding regions.
