Rizhao International Heart Hospital Achieves Successful Radiofrequency Ablation for Resistant Hypertension

Recently, the pacing and electrophysiology team at Rizhao Hospital Affiliated to Qingdao University/Rizhao International Heart Hospital successfully performed percutaneous renal sympathetic nerve radiofrequency ablation on a patient with resistant hypertension, achieving a satisfactory immediate postoperative outcome. This marks the first such procedure conducted in Shandong Province since the technology's introduction.

One-Stop Care for Hypertension

Hypertension, characterized by atherosclerosis, primarily affects vital organs like the heart, brain, kidneys, and limbs. The new approach emphasizes patient-centered assessments and comprehensive management, leading to personalized treatment plans.

In April 2021, Academician Ge Junbo completed the first clinical application of renal denervation (RDN) for hypertension in China. Following this, on August 27, 2024, his team performed the first RDN procedure in the country after the device's market launch.

Mr. Wang, a 45-year-old with a long history of hypertension, sought advanced treatment at our hospital after years of medication. After thorough evaluations, the team determined that he was a suitable candidate for RDN, leading to the decision to proceed with the ablation.

A New Approach to Hypertension Treatment

Xie Xinxing , a leading figure in cardiology in Rizhao, explained that while traditional treatment primarily involves medication and lifestyle changes, RDN represents a minimally invasive intervention that lowers sympathetic nerve activity around the renal arteries, thereby controlling blood pressure. RDN has emerged as a promising alternative for patients who struggle with medication or have uncontrolled hypertension, complementing existing treatment methods.

Under the guidance of Academician Ge and with coordinated efforts from anesthesia and interventional teams, Dr. Gao Tingwen successfully performed the procedure. The operation involved ablating 64 effective points along the renal arteries, resulting in unobstructed blood flow post-surgery. Remarkably, Mr. Wang was discharged just two days later.

Dr. Gao highlighted the significance of hypertension management in China, where approximately 340 million individuals are affected, leading to millions of cardiovascular-related deaths annually. The introduction of RDN not only signifies a new era in hypertension treatment but is also recognized as a major technological breakthrough in the field.

A New Era for Hypertension Treatment in Rizhao

The success of this first RDN procedure in Shandong Province marks a significant advancement for our cardiology department. As a key clinical specialty, our hospital has pioneered various innovative techniques in the region, including biodegradable stent implantation and various forms of ablation for arrhythmias. The cardiology team remains committed to technological innovation, ensuring that patients in Rizhao and surrounding areas receive the most advanced treatments for vascular diseases.