Providence Investigating Novel Approach to Treat Uncontrolled High Blood Pressure
SOUTHFIELD, Mich., June 11, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Providence Hospital is the first institution in the U.S. enrolling patients to participate in a study investigating a medical device to help lower blood pressure in patients with uncontrolled hypertension. This chronic condition is defined as an average systolic blood pressure at or above 140 mmHg. If left untreated, it can significantly increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, heart failure, kidney disease and death.
Providence is participating in two new global clinical trials investigating the effect of renal denervation with the investigational Symplicity Spyral™ catheter and Symplicity G3™ radiofrequency (RF) generator. Renal denervation is a minimally invasive, catheter-based procedure that may potentially calm the activity of nerves within the arteries leading to the kidneys. These nerves are part of the sympathetic nervous system, which helps the body control blood pressure. In people with hypertension, the renal nerves are hyperactive, raising blood pressure and contributing to heart, kidney and blood vessel damage.
The two separate trials enrolling at Providence are investigating the effect of renal denervation on high blood pressure in patients who are and who are not taking medications to lower their blood pressure.
"Uncontrolled high blood pressure is one of the greatest threats to patients in metro Detroit," said Shukri David, M.D., chief of cardiology at the Providence Heart Institute and the principal investigator of the trials at Providence. "We are proud to have been selected to take part in these groundbreaking trials, and look forward to helping identify which patients might be the most appropriate for this investigational treatment."
Together these trials are part of Medtronic's SPYRAL HTN Global Clinical Trial Program, a unique, multi-phased clinical study strategy to understand the effect of renal denervation on uncontrolled hypertension.
Providence has been ranked as one of the top 50 hospitals in the United States for heart care 12 times by an independent national study conducted by Truven Health Analytics. Providence is part of St. John Providence Heart & Vascular Care Center of Excellence, one of the leading providers of heart care in Michigan. Providence is also a part of Ascension Health, the largest non-profit health system in the U.S. and the world's largest Catholic health system.
SOURCE St. John Providence Health System
Share this article