Kaweah Health Performs First RDN Procedure to Control High Blood Pressure
May 6, 2026
Dr. Shashi Sharma performed Kaweah Health’s first renal denervation (RDN) procedure Monday, a minimally invasive surgery for patients taking multiple blood pressure medications to help relieve their high blood pressure.
Approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in November 2023, the Symplicity Spyral™ renal denervation (RDN) system involves a minimally invasive procedure that targets nerves near the kidneys that can become overactive and cause high blood pressure. The procedure — also known as the Symplicity™ blood pressure procedure — is approved for use as an adjunctive treatment in patients with high blood pressure (or hypertension) when lifestyle changes and antihypertensive medications do not adequately control blood pressure.
“This procedure really is unique. A patient taking three or more blood pressure medications can reduce that to just one,” Dr. Sharma, an interventional cardiologist, said. “I’m really excited to be doing this here at Kaweah Health.”
According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), having high blood pressure puts you at risk for heart disease and stroke, which are leading causes of death in the United States. Only 20 percent of U.S. adults with diagnosed high blood pressure have it under control.
Patient Virginia Drewry, 76, said she is looking forward to reducing the amount of medications she has to take. Most recently, she has been using a medication that is dispensed through patches that stick on her shoulders and have been causing damage to her skin.
"I'm tired of all the different medications and not having them work," Drewry said. "It sounds like this could be good for a lot of people who can't control their high blood pressure."
The Symplicity blood pressure procedure is clinically proven to help reduce high blood pressure. After mild sedation, Dr. Sharma inserts a very thin tube into the artery leading to the kidney. He then administers energy to calm the excessive activity of the nerves connected to the kidney. The tube is removed, leaving no implant behind.
If you or someone you know is experiencing high or difficult to control blood pressure, talk to your doctor to see if the Symplicity blood pressure procedure is a possible treatment option.
