First Renal Denervation performed at Durham VA Medical Center
Durham VA Health Care System conducted the first Renal Denervation procedure in the Veterans Health Administration at the Durham VA Medical Center on December 15, 2023.
Renal Denervation is a medical procedure using specialized technology to disrupt the nerve signals going to the kidneys. The procedure treats high blood pressure and conditions related to high blood pressure.
Dr. Antonio 'Tony' Gutierrez, Cath Lab Director at the Durham VA Health Care System, and Dr. Rajesh Swaminathan, DVAHCS Chief of Cardiology, performed the inaugural procedure.
"This [is] the first renal denervation procedure done in the entire VA Health Care System since FDA approval," said Dr. Gutierrez. "The prevalence of hypertension in our Veterans is anywhere from 71 to 87 percent. The technology that we have now is pretty advanced to go ahead and treat the nerves around the arteries."
This procedure demonstrates the VA's commitment to connecting Veterans to the best care available, one of VHA's and Dr. Shereef Elnahal's top six priorities.
“Blood pressure control has plateaued over the last decade and existing treatment strategies, including lifestyle changes and medications, are often not enough,” said Dr. Swaminathan. “Renal denervation is a new technology to treat BP that is safe, durable, and is ‘always on’.”
A breakdown of the process begins with the cardiologist identifying and targeting appropriate segments of the renal arteries with adjacent renal nerves. A catheter is then threaded carefully through blood vessels toward the renal arteries. Once the catheter reaches its target area, energy, usually in ultrasound or radiofrequency, is delivered and disrupts nerve signals without damaging the arteries or surrounding tissues.
The interrupting of nerve signals is what can help reduce high blood pressure. The overall objective of Renal Denervation is to provide long-term reduction in blood pressure, especially to Veterans who may not respond well to medication alone.
U.S. Army Veteran Michael Moon is the patient who received this new treatment option. Accompanied by his wife, Darlea Moon, they shed light on her husband's health challenges.
"He has had problems with a heart attack and a stroke in the past," Darlea says. "Currently, he's on four different blood pressure medications. We are hoping this procedure will help us get him in a better place."
Veteran Moon is proud to be the first Veteran to undergo this procedure within the VA.
"I just think it's amazing and glad that they're going to implement this into their programs and hopefully help a lot of Veterans," Veteran Moon said. "I've been coming here for about 12 years, and I've had really good doctors here - the best in the state!"
“I’m very excited to have this resource for our Veterans,” said Dr. Michelle Kelsey. “We see a lot of people who are at high cardiovascular risk and require multiple medications to control blood pressure. It is great to have another tool in our toolbox to help treat this important risk factor.”
Dr. Gutierrez summarized the significance of the event.
"We're delivering cutting-edge technology of care for our Veterans," Dr. Gutierrez said. The hope is that this milestone will pave the way for improved treatments and enhanced quality of life for Veterans living with high blood pressure and related health issues within the VA Health Care System.