Renal denervation to lower blood pressure in hemodialysis patients

Effect of Renal Denervation on Blood Pressure in Patients With Treatment Resistant Hypertension, End-stage Chronic Kidney Disease and Hemodialysis

Not applicable Interventional University of Erlangen-Nürnberg Medical School · NCT06556407

This study is testing whether a new ultrasound treatment can help lower blood pressure in people with high blood pressure who are on hemodialysis and haven't found relief with regular medications.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment12 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 99 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Erlangen-Nürnberg Medical School Academic / other
Locations1 site (Erlangen, Bavaria)
Trial IDNCT06556407 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

The RDN-HD Study is a prospective, single-center feasibility study aimed at evaluating the safety and efficacy of ultrasound-based renal denervation (RDN) in patients with treatment-resistant hypertension (TRH) undergoing chronic hemodialysis. This study includes patients who have uncontrolled hypertension despite being on multiple antihypertensive medications. The primary goal is to demonstrate that RDN can effectively reduce 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure in this high-risk population. The study does not include a sham group or blinding, focusing solely on the intervention's outcomes.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults with end-stage renal disease on chronic hemodialysis who have uncontrolled treatment-resistant hypertension.

Not a fit: Patients with significant renal artery abnormalities or those experiencing episodes of hypotension may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce blood pressure and cardiovascular risks in patients with end-stage renal disease on hemodialysis.

How similar studies have performed: While renal denervation has shown promise in other populations, this specific application in hemodialysis patients is novel and has not been extensively tested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Uncontrolled treatment resistant hypertension (despite intake of 3 different classes of antihypertensive medications) confirmed by 24-h ambulatory blood pressure according to current guidelines (ESH 2023) (office blood pressure ≥ 140/ and/ or ≥ 90 mmHg and ambulatory blood pressure ≥ 130/ and/or ≥ 80 mmHg
* end-stage renal disease on chronic hemodialysis
* Stable hemodialysis regime for at least 3 months based on the decision of the treating physician
* Patient is adhering to a stable drug regimen without changes for a minimum of 4 weeks.
* Individual is ≥ 18 years of age, male and female patients are included.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Episodes of sustained systolic and/or diastolic hypotension according to 24-h ambulatory blood pressure or dialysis protocols which in the eyes of the treating physician would interfere with a safe renal denervation treatment of the patient
* Known hemodynamically or anatomically significant renal artery abnormality or stenosis in either renal artery which in the eyes of the interventionalist would interfere with safe catheter placement
* Prior renal denervation procedure
* Anatomic or functional solitary kidney, kidney transplantation
* Severe atherosclerotic disease or artery calcification preventing the assessment of reliable BP measurements
* Endocrine hypertension other than obstructive sleep apnea
* Individual has experienced a myocardial infarction, unstable angina pectoris, or a cerebrovascular accident within 3 months of the screening visit
* Acute episode of systemic and renal disease requiring uptitration of any immunosuppressive drug regimen within the last 3 months
* Subject is pregnant, nursing, or intends to become pregnant
* Enrollment in another interventional research protocol.
* Any condition that, at the discretion of the investigator, would preclude participation in the study (e.g. non-adherence)

Where this trial is running

Erlangen, Bavaria

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Treatment Resistant HypertensionChronic Hemodialysis
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.