Torrance Memorial Medical Center has reached another milestone in cardiovascular care, performing its first renal denervation procedure, a newly FDA-approved treatment designed to help patients with high blood pressure that isn’t well controlled despite medication and lifestyle changes.
Arash Aghel, MD, interventional cardiologist, led the procedure, calling it “an exciting new tool in our kit” for patients whose blood pressure remains high despite taking multiple medications.
What Is Renal Denervation?
In simple terms, renal denervation, also referred to as renal ablation, “turns down the volume” on overactive nerves around the arteries that supply blood to the kidneys. These nerves are part of the sympathetic nervous system, which can contribute to keeping blood pressure elevated.
The procedure involves threading a small catheter into the kidney arteries—most often through a tiny puncture in the groin—then delivering radiofrequency or ultrasound energy to disrupt the overactive nerves. This process helps the kidneys better regulate blood pressure.
“It’s minimally invasive, done under conscious sedation, and patients go home the same day,” says Dr. Aghel. “There are no surgical incisions, and the treatment typically takes less than an hour.”
Why Now?
While renal denervation has been studied for years, the procedure received FDA approval in late 2023. Some hospitals participated in early clinical trials, but for most, including Torrance Memorial, the procedure could only be offered to the public once the FDA approved it and reimbursement pathways were established.
“This is something many hospitals are now starting to adopt,” Dr. Aghel explains. “For Torrance Memorial, it’s a natural fit; we’re already a referral center for advanced cardiovascular technology, so offering renal denervation was the logical next step.”
Who Is It For?
The procedure is currently approved for adults with uncontrolled hypertension, meaning their blood pressure remains above 130/80 mmHg despite medication and healthy lifestyle changes.
“It’s not a replacement for medication,” Dr. Aghel clarifies. “Think of it as an add-on therapy that may reduce the number of medications needed or prevent patients from having to add more over time.”
Renal denervation may be especially helpful for people who:
- Have difficulty tolerating blood pressure medications due to side effects.
- Have tried multiple medications without achieving target blood pressure.
- Want to reduce their long-term risk for heart attack, stroke, or kidney disease.
Most patients will still need blood pressure medication after the procedure, but the treatment has shown durable results lasting at least three to five years. More studies are needed to determine if the benefits can continue beyond that time frame.
A Team Effort
Bringing this procedure to Torrance Memorial took over a year of preparation, training, and coordination.
“This has been a cardiac cath lab–driven initiative, but it really takes a village to introduce a new technology,” Dr. Aghel says. “From leadership to the cardiovascular service line, everyone worked together to make this possible.”
Looking Ahead
In Europe, renal denervation is sometimes offered earlier in the treatment process than in the U.S., but Dr. Aghel believes that as more data becomes available, it could become a second-line option — potentially before adding a second or third blood pressure medication.
“The sooner you can get blood pressure under control, the less cumulative damage to the heart and brain,” he notes. “For patients who’ve struggled for years, it’s incredibly rewarding to offer something new that can improve their health and quality of life.”
Torrance Memorial’s first patient has done well following the procedure, with blood pressure results progressing as expected. Every patient responds a little differently; some see changes within days, others over several weeks.
As Dr. Aghel puts it, “It’s frustrating when we’ve optimized everything we can and still see high (blood pressure) numbers. Now, we have another option. That’s exciting, not just for us as physicians, but for the patients who’ve been searching for hope.”
