First Patient Treated at Altru Hospital with New, Minimally Invasive Technology to Help Control High Blood Pressure

The Blood Pressure Procedure Calms Overactive Nerves That Can Elevate Blood Pressure 
Grand Forks, N.D. – Altru is pleased to announce treatment of the first patient with a new renal denervation (RDN) procedure, now offered for certain patients with high blood pressure. Approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in November 2023, the renal denervation (RDN) system involves a minimally invasive procedure that targets nerves near the kidneys that can become overactive and cause high blood pressure. The procedure – also known as the blood pressure procedure - is approved for use as an adjunctive treatment in patients with high blood pressure (or hypertension) when lifestyle changes and antihypertensive medications do not adequately control blood pressure. 

Hypertension is the single largest contributor to death and affects about 50% of U.S. adults. Of the U.S. adults who are aware of their hypertension, about 80% do not have it under control. 
The blood pressure procedure is clinically proven to help reduce high blood pressure, which can lower serious health risks. After mild sedation, the doctor inserts a very thin tube into the artery leading to the kidney. The doctor then administers energy to calm the excessive activity of the nerves connected to the kidney. The tube is removed, leaving no implant behind. 

“High blood pressure is a significant problem for patients all around the world. For people with hypertension, medication and/or lifestyle changes can help reduce blood pressure, but studies have shown that many people still don’t have control over their condition,” said Rabeea Aboufakher, MD, Medical Director of Heart and Vascular Services at Altru. “The blood pressure procedure can provide patients with a blood pressure reduction benefit that is ‘always on’ and doesn’t require a permanent implant – it can also help patients regain their peace of mind. We are pleased to have treated our first patient with this new technology, and we look forward to the future of hypertension care by offering innovative solutions.” 

“As we look to improve the way we treat patients with hypertension, Altru is interested in utilizing the latest technological innovations that meet the needs of patients and physicians,” said Dr. Aboufakher. “For people with hypertension, medication and/or lifestyle changes can help reduce blood pressure, but studies have shown that many people still don’t have control over their condition. RDN could help fill that gap to potentially provide a blood pressure reduction benefit that is ‘always on’ and doesn’t require a permanent implant.” 

Know the facts & talk to your doctor   
Blood pressure is the force that circulating blood exerts against the walls of the arteries – and hypertension is when blood pressure is too high. Hypertension is often called the “silent killer” because most people don’t know they have it. If you have high blood pressure, your heart works harder, which can raise your risk of heart attacks, strokes, heart failure, and kidney failure. These risks can be very serious — especially if your high blood pressure is left untreated. If you or someone you know is experiencing high or difficult to control blood pressure, talk to your doctor to see if the blood pressure procedure is a possible treatment option.