Blood pressure is used as an indication of how well the heart and blood vessels are working. When a person’s average blood pressure is higher than the accepted target value, they are diagnosed with hypertension (high blood pressure). Over time, if not treated effectively, hypertension increases a person’s risk of heart disease, stroke, kidney disease and death. For most people, hypertension can be managed by making lifestyle changes and taking medication. But when blood pressure remains high despite treatment, a person is considered to have uncontrolled hypertension, which is associated with a higher risk of more serious health outcomes. 

Renal denervation is a minimally invasive procedure that may provide an additional treatment option for people with uncontrolled hypertension. In this procedure, a catheter (a long, thin, flexible tube) is used to deliver energy to the walls of the arteries leading to the kidneys, which disrupts nerve signals that regulate blood pressure.  

This health technology assessment looked at how safe, effective and cost-effective renal denervation is as an adjunctive (additional) treatment to standard care (such as lifestyle changes and medication) for adults with uncontrolled hypertension. It also looked at the budget impact of publicly funding renal denervation and at the experiences, preferences and values of people with hypertension.