When blood pressure medications or their side effects are poorly tolerated by a patient, there is now another option! Dr. Michael Rosenberg, Froedtert South Medical Group Interventional Cardiologist, and his colleagues are expanding care for treatment-resistant hypertension with the latest technological advancement- The Paradise® Ultrasound Renal Denervation System. Froedtert Pleasant Prairie Hospital is leading the way as the first provider in Wisconsin offering this innovative treatment.
Interventional Cardiologist
HYPERTENSION REMAINS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH CHALLENGE
Why is a new treatment for high blood pressure so exciting? Dr. Rosenberg explained, “High blood pressure, known as hypertension, remains the leading global cause of death and disability. Hypertension can lead to heart attack, stroke, heart failure, irregular heartbeat, kidney damage, coronary artery disease or diabetes. Hypertension is an enormously significant public health challenge. What is most concerning is that over 60% of patients with hypertension are inadequately controlling their blood pressure. This means that the patient is either not responding well to the medications prescribed or the patient is not complying with the diet and exercise requirements to properly manage their blood pressure. Hypertension must be treated and properly managed to save lives. Having a new, highly effective option for patients is going to improve lives.”
WHAT IS TREATMENT-RESISTANT HYPERTENSION?
Dr. Rosenberg said, “Many patients who have hypertension have challenges controlling their blood pressure. Aside from lifestyle recommendations, the first line of therapy includes medication. There are over thirty different medications to treat elevated blood pressure; however, a patient may poorly tolerate these options. Medications have side effects and can be variably effective in managing blood pressure. Often patients require multiple medications which escalates the possibility of not being able to tolerate additional side effects. The second line of therapy includes more potent medications but also increases the likelihood of undesirable side effects. This leads to what we term treatment-resistant hypertension. When a patient’s blood pressure still cannot be controlled with multiple medications or when the patient cannot tolerate the medications or the side effects, this patient becomes a good candidate for the newly available third line of therapy- a renal denervation procedure.”
NEW PROCEDURE HARNESSES THE POWER OF ULTRASOUND ENERGY TO DECREASE BLOOD PRESSURE
In November of 2023, the FDA approved two methods to treat hypertension that have evolved through clinical studies and trials over the past decade. By the spring of 2024, Dr. Rosenberg had already embraced the new technology and successfully performed this advanced procedure on multiple patients.
“The Paradise® Ultrasound Renal Denervation System has become the high standard for lowering blood pressure in patients that have treatment-resistant hypertension,” said Dr. Rosenberg. “This technology is the first of its kind and harnesses the power of ultrasound energy to treat uncontrolled hypertension. This procedure involves placing a catheter through the groin into the arteries of the kidneys. Each kidney has one main renal artery that provides blood flow to the kidney. Through the catheter, an electrode is placed that utilizes sound wave energy to damage the renal nerves. This renal denervation process alters the feedback system which drives adrenaline from the kidneys to the brain. The result is a decrease in blood pressure.”
Studies show that, with this renal denervation system, the majority of patients see decreases of their systolic blood pressure over time with a twenty-four hour “always-on” effect. This ensures significant stability versus medications wearing off throughout the day and a patient needing to remember to take medications at regular times. Dr. Rosenberg said, “The risks of this procedure are minimal, and the benefits are substantial. Every patient that I have treated with this procedure has been able to reduce or stop their blood pressure medications.”
This expansion of care for treatment-resistant hypertension shows the dedication of Froedtert Pleasant Prairie Hospital to be on the leading edge of providing services to Southeastern Wisconsin and Northeastern Illinois. Dr. Rosenberg added, “It is important for the community to know that the renal denervation procedure is an accessible option for qualified patients and that it is available for Medicare reimbursement.”
CONTROLLING BLOOD PRESSURE REDUCES LIFE-THREATENING RISK FACTORS
“Whether through medications, procedures or lifestyle changes, controlling one’s blood pressure decreases the risk of life-threatening diseases,” said Dr. Rosenberg. “The good news is that hypertension is both preventable and treatable. The great news is that we have treatment options. My advice is to embrace the lifestyle improvements that you can, such as moving more, focusing on your nutrition, reducing salt intake, limiting alcohol consumption, ceasing smoking, and reducing stress. Also, complete regular check-ups with your primary care physician. To explore further options to manage your blood pressure, my colleagues and I are here at Froedtert Pleasant Prairie Hospital to help you.”
Interventional Cardiologist
For more information about renal denervation or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Rosenberg, call 262-656-3650 or email renaldenervation@froedtertsouth.com.
