It seems that renal denervation systems are popping up like daisies these days. Today at the EuroPCR meeting in Paris, France, St. Jude Medical announced CE Mark Approval and the launch of its EnligHTN renal denervation system. Like other renal ablative systems, this one is approved to reduce blood pressure in patients with hypertension resistant to medical therapy.
Similar to the Vessix Vascular V2 system, the EnligHTN has multiple electrodes which potentially saves time during the ablation procedure, as four ablations can be performed without catheter repositioning.
From the press release:
Using the EnligHTN system, an ablation catheter delivers radiofrequency (RF) energy to create lesions (tiny scars) along the renal sympathetic nerves – a network of nerves that help to regulate pressure; the intentional disruption of the nerve supply has been clinically found to decrease systolic blood pressure. This is important because the risk of cardiovascular death is cut in half with every 20 point decrease in systolic blood pressure.
The system is the industry’s first multi-electrode ablation technology for renal denervation. With the unique basket design, each placement of the ablation catheter allows a consistent and predictable pattern of four ablations in 90-second intervals. Compared to single electrode ablations, the multi-electrode EnligHTN system has the potential to improve consistency and procedural reliability, save time as well as result in workflow and cost efficiencies. Additionally, the minimal catheter repositioning may result in a reduction of contrast and fluoroscopic (x-ray) exposure.
The technology includes a guiding catheter, ablation catheter and ablation generator. The generator uses a proprietary, temperature-controlled algorithm to deliver effective therapy.
St. Jude Medical will be presenting clinical data from the EnligHTN I trial about the safety and efficacy of the system at EuroPCR on Wednesday.
Update: This story previously stated incorrectly that the EnligHTN is uniquely the only approved renal denervation system with multiple electrodes.
Press release: St. Jude Medical Announces European Approval and Launch of the EnligHTN Renal Denervation System for Treatment of Hypertension…
Product page: EnligHTN Multi-Electrode Renal Denervation System…