New Procedure to Help Control High Blood Pressure First Performed at Baton Rouge General
BATON ROUGE, La. – Patients with high blood pressure that is difficult to control despite medications and lifestyle changes have a new option in Baton Rouge. The first renal denervation (RDN) procedures were recently performed in the cardiac catheterization lab at Baton Rouge General, expanding treatment options and supporting better long-term heart health outcomes.
A minimally invasive procedure, the Symplicity Spyral™ RDN system works by targeting overactive nerves near the kidneys that can contribute to elevated blood pressure. After mild sedation, the doctor inserts a very thin tube into the artery leading to the kidney. The doctor then administers energy to calm the excessive activity of the nerves connected to the kidney. The tube is removed, leaving no implant behind.
The Symplicity blood pressure procedure, which was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in November 2023, is clinically proven to help reduce high blood pressure, which can lower serious health risks. The first RDN procedures were performed by Dr. Garland Green, interventional cardiologist with Cardiovascular Institute of the South (CIS) and medical director of BRG’s cath lab, and Dr. Amit Patel, interventional cardiologist with CIS.
High blood pressure (hypertension) affects about 50% of U.S. adults. It is the single largest contributor to death and a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke. Louisiana had the fourth highest rate of high blood pressure according to 2025 from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
For more information on comprehensive heart care, visit brgeneral.org.
About Baton Rouge General Medical Center
Baton Rouge General Medical Center is the area’s first community hospital with over 600 licensed beds between three campuses. Baton Rouge General opened its doors in 1900, and has provided the Greater Baton Rouge community with high-quality healthcare for generations. An accredited teaching hospital since 1991, Baton Rouge General is affiliated with several medical school programs, and offers other medical education programs, including a School of Nursing, School of Radiologic Technology, Family Medicine Residency Program and Internal Medicine Residency Program. For more information, visit BRGeneral.org, find us on Facebook at Facebook.com/BatonRougeGeneral and follow us on Twitter @BRGeneral and Instagram @batonrougegeneral.
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