NAVI MUMBAI, 5 SEPTEMBER, 2024 (TGN): When routine treatments failed to control a dangerously high blood pressure in a 42-year-old patient, Dr. Brajesh Kumar Kunwar turned to an innovative solution: Renal Denervation. This minimally invasive procedure was performed for the 1st time in Navi Mumbai by Dr. Brajesh Kunwar, Senior Interventional Cardiologist at Apollo Hospitals Navi Mumbai. The procedure marks a significant advancement in hypertension(HT) management, offering new hope for patients struggling to control their blood pressure through medication alone. Mr. Chetan Wazekar from Uran, an avid traveler and adventure enthusiast, had been battling resistant HT, a condition where high blood pressure remains uncontrolled despite being on multiple antihypertensive medications. Despite his active lifestyle, his blood pressure remained dangerously high, placing him at a significantly increased risk for heart attacks, stroke, kidney failure which would adversely impact his health.
Resistant HT is a complex condition that can be influenced by factors such as genetics, lifestyle, and interactions between various medications. Mr. Chetan arrived at Apollo Hospitals Navi Mumbai (AHNM) with symptoms like blurred vision, dizziness, palpitations, headaches, and shortness of breath on slight exertion and an alarming BP of 240 mmHg. After thorough assessment, Dr. Kunwar recommended Renal Denervation as a solution.
Renal Denervation is a new minimally invasive procedure used to manage resistant HT, which is high blood pressure that doesn’t respond well to standard treatments. By using a catheter to deliver radiofrequency ablation to the nerves surrounding the renal arteries, the sympathetic nerve signals that contribute to elevated blood pressure are disrupted. This reduction in sympathetic nervous system activity helps lower blood pressure and can potentially decrease the need for multiple medications. It offers a promising option for long-term blood pressure control in patients who have not achieved satisfactory results with conventional treatments.
Dr. Brajesh Kumar Kunwar, Senior Interventional Cardiologist, Apollo Hospitals, Navi Mumbai said,“The prevalence of resistant HT ranges from 10% to 20% among patients with hypertension. At a young age of 42 yrs, having been diagnosed with uncontrolled HT could have serious implications for the patient. He leads an active lifestyle and is a very enthusiastic person. It would be tragic if we were not able to provide timely medical intervention. Renal Denervation offered a promising solution to effectively manage his blood pressure and reduce his dependence on medication in the long run.,”
Mr Chetan Wazekar said,“Before the procedure, even everyday tasks were daunting due to my high blood pressure, and I was constantly worried about my health. Now, thanks to Dr. Kunwar and the team at Apollo Hospitals, I feel like a new person. My blood pressure is under control, and I can finally go about my life without the constant fear of what might happen. I’m excited to get back on the road and conquer new peaks without worrying about my health.”
Mr. Arunesh Punetha, Regional CEO-Western Region, Apollo Hospitals, stated,“The renal denervation procedure done by Dr Brajesh Kanwar is a testimony of the superior clinical acumen and capability of our doctors. The Cardiologists at Apollo Hospitals deliver the entire spectrum of Cardiac care beginning from the unique personalized ProHealth heart checks to complex cardiac interventions that include complex coronary interventions, structural heart procedures, advanced procedures to manage Arrhythmia disorders and Heart failure. With advanced infrastructure such as 5G enabled cardiac ambulance, 3rd generation Cath Labs and Intensive Care Units equipped with ECMO facility, experienced cardiologists and post-operative care teams; This new interventional procedure is another milestone that highlights our commitment of providing cutting-edge medical technology and clinical expertise for our patients”
