Using renal denervation to treat heart failure with preserved ejection fraction

Renal Denervation to Treat Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction - A Pilot Trial

Not applicable Interventional University of Leipzig · NCT05030987

This study is testing if a procedure called renal denervation can help people with heart failure and preserved ejection fraction feel better and improve their heart function.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment68 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 80 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Leipzig Academic / other
Locations5 sites (Halle, Saxony-Anhalt and 4 other locations)
Trial IDNCT05030987 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the use of renal denervation as a potential treatment for heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), a condition with high mortality and limited treatment options. It aims to assess the effects of renal denervation on sympathetic nervous system modulation, which may improve hemodynamics and reduce blood pressure in patients with HFpEF. Participants will be monitored for changes in cardiac function and overall health outcomes. The study includes a sham control group to compare the effects of the intervention.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults aged 18-80 with confirmed hypertension and clinical signs of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction.

Not a fit: Patients with significant renal artery abnormalities or those with a single functioning kidney may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could provide a new therapeutic option for patients suffering from heart failure with preserved ejection fraction.

How similar studies have performed: While renal denervation has shown promise in other cardiovascular conditions, its application for heart failure with preserved ejection fraction is relatively novel and untested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. confirmed arterial hypertension (1-5 antihypertensive drugs without any dosage change in the preceding 4 weeks) and average systolic BP between \>125 and ≤170 mmHg and diastolic BP ≤110 mmHg in 24h ambulatory blood pressure measurement (ABPM)
2. HFpEF (defined by clinical signs and/or symptoms of heart failure, objective structural cardiac abnormalities according to the ESC (European Society of Cardiology) criteria \[1\], elevated NT-proBNP ≥125 pg/mL and left-ventricular ejection fraction ≥55%)
3. NYHA-Class II or III
4. Confirmation of an elevated cardiac filling pressures (either LVEDP \>= 16 mmHg or PCWP \>= 15 mmHg at rest or \>=25 mmHg during exercise) by catheterization
5. Age 18-80 years
6. Written informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

1. ≥1 main renal artery diameter \<3.0 mm
2. main renal artery length \< 20 mm
3. a single functioning kidney
4. presence of abnormal kidney tumors
5. renal artery aneurysm
6. pre-existing renal stent or history of renal artery angioplasty
7. fibromuscular disease of the renal arteries
8. presence of renal artery stenosis of any origin ≥50%
9. iliac/femoral artery stenosis precluding femoral access for RDN
10. fertile women (within two years of their last menstruation) without appropriate contraceptive measures (implanon, injections, oral contraceptives, intrauterine devices, partner with vasectomy) while participating in the trial (participants using a hormone-based method have to be informed of possible effects of the trial device on contraception).
11. participation in other interventional trials
12. patients under legal supervision or guardianship
13. suspected lack of compliance
14. pregnant women
15. Presence of intracardiac pacemakers or implantable cardioverter/defibrillators

Where this trial is running

Halle, Saxony-Anhalt and 4 other locations

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 Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection FractionHypertension, RenalRenal DenervationHypertensionHeart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction
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.