[Percutaneous renal denervation as a new method of treatment of resistant arterial hypertension].

The sympathetic nervous system plays an important role in the progression of arterial hypertension. This paper describes percutaneous renal denervation as a new, minimally invasive method of treating resistant hypertension. The procedure is based on ablation of the renal sympathetic nerves using radiofrequency energy after insertion of the Simplicity catheter into the renal artery. We discuss the indications and contraindications for renal artery denervation and describe the procedure itself. The results of large randomized trials such as Simplicity HTN-1 and HTN-2, are very promising. They show a significant decrease in blood pressure observed within 3 months after the denervation procedure, with few complications, without pathological effects on renal function. It is suggested that besides the impact on blood pressure, renal artery denervation can also improve carbohydrate metabolism, as well as sleep apnea and the treatment results of heart failure.