Background: Sympathic denvervation of the nerves of the renal arteries is used to prevent the renal effect of increasing blood pressure. This is a new therapy option for patients with essential hypertension.
Method: A literature search identified 66 records. Including the systematic review 2011 and the update report, in total one RCT and two before-after-studies were included for the analysis and synthesis of the evidence.
Results: Regarding the outcomes, the studies show a two years lowering effect on blood pressure. Nevertheless they do not provide information on mortality, long-term efficacy and quality of life.
Conclusion and Recommendation: Given the current paucity of evidence, renal denervation in essential hypertension can currently not be recommended for inclusion in the Austrian hospital services catalogue.