September 23, 2026
New treatment option for resistant hypertension now available at IU Health
IU Health Bloomington Hospital
On Friday, Sept. 11, the IU Health Bloomington Cardiology team performed the first renal denervation procedure in the IU Health system. This marks an important milestone in local and statewide cardiovascular care.
The new treatment option is for patients whose blood pressure remains elevated (resistant) despite medication use and lifestyle changes.
Renal denervation is a minimally invasive procedure that reduces the signals made by overactive nerves near the kidneys that can contribute to high blood pressure. This new therapy can help improve blood pressure control, lower the risk of future heart and vascular problems, and improve quality of life for patients.
"The ability to perform innovative procedures like renal denervation demonstrates our commitment to advancing cardiovascular care in Indiana," says cardiologist Andrew Ferguson, MD, IU Health system physician lead for renal denervation. "By adopting emerging evidence-based therapies, we can address unmet needs for patients with resistant hypertension while expanding access to the latest advancements in cardiovascular medicine within our communities."
High blood pressure affects nearly half of U.S. adults and is the leading risk factor for cardiovascular disease. If left uncontrolled, it can increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, heart failure and kidney disease.
People with high or difficult to control blood pressure can talk to their doctor to see if renal denervation is a possible treatment option.
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