Beijing Anzhen Hospital Performs China’s First Ultrasound Renal Sympathetic Denervation (uRDN): A New Era in Minimally Invasive Hypertension Treatment
A Breakthrough in Hypertension Treatment
Hypertension affects over 300 million people in China, with nearly 20% unable to achieve target blood pressure despite taking multiple medications. Traditional treatment relies heavily on lifelong medication, which can be ineffective for some patients.
The uRDN procedure—short for ultrasound renal sympathetic denervation—offers a novel solution by targeting the overactive renal sympathetic nerves responsible for elevated blood pressure. Using ultrasound energy, the technique disrupts these nerves through the arterial wall, “cooling down” the hyperactive signals that drive hypertension—without the need for any implants or permanent devices.
The Procedure: Precision and Innovation
The patient, a long-term hypertension sufferer with poor medication response, underwent comprehensive evaluation by Professor Cai Jun and his multidisciplinary team, including Dr. Wang Yunhong, Dr. Cheng Wenli, and Dr. Wang Zhijian. Advanced imaging confirmed the patient’s anatomy suited the procedure.
Under real-time imaging guidance, the surgical team made a small incision in the groin, inserted the ultrasound catheter via the femoral artery, and precisely delivered energy to the renal nerves. The operation lasted about one hour and was performed using a deep sedation technique with high-flow nasal oxygen, ensuring the patient remained comfortable and pain-free.
Within 24 hours, the patient was ambulatory, showing no complications and a stable recovery.
Why uRDN Is a Game-Changer
The ultrasound-based renal denervation (uRDN) system introduces several advantages over previous generations of ablation techniques:
✔ Higher precision: Focused ultrasound allows for accurate energy control without damaging surrounding tissues.
✔ Enhanced safety: No implants or permanent devices, minimizing long-term risks.
✔ Rapid recovery: Patients can resume normal activity within 24 hours.
✔ Sustained efficacy: Global studies show blood pressure reduction lasting over three years.
✔ Domestic innovation: Fully developed in China, breaking foreign technology monopolies.
Who Can Benefit?
Ideal Candidates:
- Patients with primary hypertension poorly controlled by multiple medications.
- Individuals evaluated and cleared for secondary causes of hypertension.
Not Suitable For:
- Secondary hypertension patients
- Individuals with severe renal dysfunction
- Pregnant women
Hospitalization: Usually three days — one for preoperative evaluation, one for the procedure, and one for observation.
Reimbursement: The current phase is part of a clinical trial; future coverage will align with national healthcare policies.
Future Outlook
This groundbreaking uRDN procedure will now advance into a multi-center national clinical trial involving more than 20 hospitals across China, with a goal of enrolling 213 qualified patients. The research team aims to accelerate clinical validation and bring this technology into standard clinical use, benefiting millions of patients with drug-resistant hypertension.
Professor Cai Jun stated:
“This technology functions like an intelligent blood pressure regulator—precise, safe, and effective. Its successful implementation marks China’s entry into the era of minimally invasive, interventional hypertension therapy.”
Conclusion
The success of China’s first uRDN procedure at Beijing Anzhen Hospital symbolizes a leap forward in cardiovascular innovation. By combining precision ultrasound technology, multidisciplinary expertise, and domestic innovation, this breakthrough sets a new benchmark for hypertension care in Asia and beyond. The uRDN procedure heralds a future where hypertension can be treated not just symptomatically—but at its neurological source.