Cost-effectiveness of renal denervation: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Kyriakoulis KG, Vakka A, Iliakis P, Tatakis F, Papadomarkaki K, Stamataki N, Tsioufis P, Manta E, Soulaidopoulos S, Fragkoulis C, Kasiakogias A, Konstantinidis D, Dimitriadis K, Hettrick DA, Schmieder R, Tsioufis K (2026)
Publication Type: Journal article
Publication year: 2026
Journal
DOI: 10.1038/s41440-026-02578-9
Abstract
Renal denervation (RDN) is recommended for the management of arterial hypertension. The aim of this study was to assess the cost-effectiveness of RDN. A systematic review/meta-analysis was conducted to identify RDN cost-effectiveness studies. The Incremental Cost-Effectiveness Ratio (ICER) per one Quality-Adjusted Life Year (QALY) gained (the extra cost needed for one additional year of good quality life) was compared to the respective country-specific Willingness to Pay (WTP) Thresholds (the maximum ICER/QALY gained that is considered acceptable by a healthcare system or organization for an intervention to be deemed cost-effective). Nineteen studies (16 countries) were included, all in favor of RDN cost-effectiveness. Most studies (n = 12/19, 63%) were conducted after 2024, half in the context of European economic/healthcare systems. All studies implemented decision-analytic Markov models and compared RDN (mainly radiofrequency) plus standard of care (SoC) vs SoC alone. Meta-analysis of 7 studies indicated a pooled ICER/QALY gained 22209 €, compared to WTP Threshold 50000 €, thereby indicating the cost-effectiveness of RDN. Meta-analysis of 19 studies indicated a pooled ICER/QALY gained to WTP Threshold ratio of 0.31 (0.20, 0.44). In sensitivity analyses RDN was shown to be cost-effective in both resistant and uncontrolled hypertensive patients, especially in those with high cardiovascular risk and considering longer time horizons. Most studies were deemed to have a low risk of bias. In line with guidelines recommendations, RDN appears to be a cost-effective intervention across a variety of clinical scenarios, both for patients with resistant or uncontrolled hypertension and especially in young and/or high cardiovascular risk patients.
Authors with CRIS profile
Involved external institutions
United States (USA) (US)How to cite
APA:
Kyriakoulis, K.G., Vakka, A., Iliakis, P., Tatakis, F., Papadomarkaki, K., Stamataki, N.,... Tsioufis, K. (2026). Cost-effectiveness of renal denervation: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Hypertension Research. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41440-026-02578-9
MLA:
Kyriakoulis, Konstantinos G., et al. "Cost-effectiveness of renal denervation: a systematic review and meta-analysis." Hypertension Research (2026).
BibTeX: Download