Focused ultrasound

Renal artery denervation, promoted incorrectly as a potential cure for hypertension, had a spectacular rise and subsequent fall in 2014. Since that time further data has been generated refining the role in hypertension management, more optimal patient selection, and demonstrating safety. FDA approval for devices using radiofrequency, focussed ultrasound and periadvential injection are imminent or in process. In addition sympathetic denervation is being explored for other common diseases such as diabetes. New data will be presented and the 3 major technologies reviewed. By no means will renal denervation be applicable to every hypertensive patient, nevertheless even a small percentage of hypertensive patients represents a large patient population. If interventional radiology does not get involved in this evolving story, we risk being excluded from ultimately common procedures.