Long-term outcomes following radiofrequency renal denervation: meta-analysis of 18 reports
Mahfoud F, Kandzari DE, Schlaich MP, Schmieder R, Lauder L, Ruilope L, Narkiewicz K, Williams B, Hettrick DA, Lung TH, Ribichini F, Weil J, Sharif F, Mancia G, Böhm M (2026)
Publication Type: Journal article
Publication year: 2026
Journal
Book Volume: 33
Pages Range: 1238-1247
Journal Issue: 7
Abstract
Aims: Radiofrequency (RF) renal denervation (RDN) safely lowers office and 24-h blood pressure (BP). This meta-analysis examined the long-term durability of RF RDN based on randomized trials and observational studies. Methods and results: Patients with uncontrolled hypertension undergoing RF RDN using the Symplicity Flex™ or Spyral™ device and a minimum follow-up of 3 years were included. Key outcomes included office and 24-h BP change from baseline as well as changes in anti-hypertensive drugs. A random effects meta-analysis was conducted over 3 years, or the last reported follow-up beyond 3 years. A total of 2212 patients identified among 18 reports were evaluated for BP. The mean duration of follow-up was 4.4 years (range 3–9.4). The long-term reduction in office systolic BP from baseline in 15 reports (n = 2040) was −23.0 mmHg (95% confidence interval: −26.8 to −19.1, P < 0.05) for the random effects model and −20.5 (−21.6 to −19.4) for the fixed effect model. Twenty-four-hour ambulatory systolic BP was available in 11 reports (n = 1018) and decreased significantly by −13.6 mmHg (−16.5 to −10.8, P < 0.05). Fixed effect model results were similar. Diastolic office and 24-h BP paralleled these findings in both models. Nighttime systolic BP also decreased significantly by −14.2 mmHg (−27.6 to −0.8, P < 0.05). The number of prescribed anti-hypertensive drugs and eGFR also decreased. Heart rate remained unchanged through the final follow-up in both models. Safety events were rare, with a mean rate of renal artery complications of 0.14% (0.08–0.20%). Conclusion: This meta-analysis comprising 18 studies demonstrated sustained and significant office and ambulatory BP reductions following Symplicity RDN through at least 3 years without an increase in anti-hypertensive medication.
Authors with CRIS profile
Involved external institutions
Universitätsspital Basel
Switzerland (CH)
Piedmont Healthcare
United States (USA) (US)
University of Western Australia (UWA)
Australia (AU)
Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre
Spain (ES)
Medical University Gdansk / Gdański Uniwersytet Medyczny
Poland (PL)
Medtronic
United States (USA) (US)
University Hospital of Verona / Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata Verona (AOUI)
Italy (IT)
Sana Kliniken Lübeck GmbH
Germany (DE)
University of Galway (NUIG) / Ollscoil na Gaillimhe
Ireland (IE)
University of Milano-Bicocca / Università degli Studi di Milano-Bicocca, UNIMIB
Italy (IT)
Universitätsklinikum des Saarlandes (UKS)
Germany (DE)
Switzerland (CH)
Piedmont Healthcare
United States (USA) (US)
University of Western Australia (UWA)
Australia (AU)
Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre
Spain (ES)
Medical University Gdansk / Gdański Uniwersytet Medyczny
Poland (PL)
Medtronic
United States (USA) (US)
University Hospital of Verona / Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata Verona (AOUI)
Italy (IT)
Sana Kliniken Lübeck GmbH
Germany (DE)
University of Galway (NUIG) / Ollscoil na Gaillimhe
Ireland (IE)
University of Milano-Bicocca / Università degli Studi di Milano-Bicocca, UNIMIB
Italy (IT)
Universitätsklinikum des Saarlandes (UKS)
Germany (DE)
How to cite
APA:
Mahfoud, F., Kandzari, D.E., Schlaich, M.P., Schmieder, R., Lauder, L., Ruilope, L.,... Böhm, M. (2026). Long-term outcomes following radiofrequency renal denervation: meta-analysis of 18 reports. European Journal of Preventive Cardiology, 33(7), 1238-1247. https://doi.org/10.1093/eurjpc/zwaf368
MLA:
Mahfoud, Felix, et al. "Long-term outcomes following radiofrequency renal denervation: meta-analysis of 18 reports." European Journal of Preventive Cardiology 33.7 (2026): 1238-1247.
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