The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Medtronic’s Symplicity Spyral renal denervation (RDN) system, also known as the Symplicity blood pressure procedure, for the treatment of hypertension. 

Hypertension is the leading modifiable cause of heart attack, stroke, and death, and its prevalence is notably worse in underserved US populations. Despite available medications and lifestyle interventions, control rates remain low. These challenges speak to the possibility that patients may benefit from an adjunctive treatment option to better manage their blood pressure, according to a release from Medtronic.

“Medtronic has always believed in the potential of this therapy. We partnered closely with leading experts in our clinical community who could help us in our journey to get this technology to the people who need it most,” says Jason Weidman, senior vice president and president of the coronary and renal denervation business within the cardiovascular portfolio at Medtronic, in a release. “It was the promise of this therapy that enabled Medtronic to keep going, even when others exited the renal denervation space. High blood pressure is a global health issue, and patients need more options to manage their blood pressure. The approval of the Symplicity blood pressure procedure represents a significant milestone for physicians and patients in the treatment of hypertension.”

The Medtronic Symplicity blood pressure procedure is a minimally invasive procedure that delivers radiofrequency energy to nerves near the kidneys that can become overactive and contribute to high blood pressure. After sedation, the doctor inserts a single thin tube into the artery leading to the kidney. Once the tube is in place, the doctor administers energy to the system to calm the excessive activity of the nerves connected to the kidney. The tube is removed, leaving no implant. 

“The Symplicity blood pressure procedure is safe and effective, providing significant ‘always on’ blood pressure reductions for patients,” says David Kandzari, MD, chief at Piedmont Heart Institute and Cardiovascular Service and co-principal investigator of the SPYRAL clinical program, in a release. “This landmark approval is the culmination of rigorous scientific study and clinical trials, including long-term, sham-controlled studies in the presence and absence of medication, and the largest real-world study.”

Raymond Townsend, MD, from the hypertension section and department of internal medicine/renal at University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine and co-principal investigator of the SPYRAL clinical program, adds in a release, “This approval paves the way for a transformation in hypertension treatment, offering a solution that complements medication and lifestyle changes. The Symplicity blood pressure procedure is a promising treatment option for clinicians and patients alike and offers opportunity to fulfill a significant unmet need in hypertension care, especially for those patients who are desperately seeking additional approaches to get their blood pressure down.”

Although currently limited for investigational use in Japan, China, and Canada, the Symplicity Spyral Renal Denervation System is approved for commercial use in more than 70 countries around the world.

With this approval, Medtronic will immediately begin commercialization.

Photo caption: Medtronic’s Symplicity Spyral

Photo credit: Medtronic