A Medical Device for the Treatment of Hypertension

I have hypertension. I am taking a combination of drugs currently to control my blood pressure. Thus, any new development on the treatment of this malady really interest me. The latest development on the cure of hypertension is not a new drug but a medical device. Continue reading if you or your relatives have high blood pressure, especially if your blood pressure is not effectively controlled by medications.

Last month an article by Jo Wiley was published at www.express.co.uk discussing a simple operation that effectively cure high blood pressure of several British patients. It involves a minimally invasive, catheter-based procedure without the need for a general anaesthetic. The procedure places a small device known as a Rox Coupler to divert blood from an artery to a vein in the upper thigh. This breakthrough treatment could save thousands of lives each year after the trials showed a substantial and ­permanent reduction in blood pressure and a decrease in drugs needed.

The article reported that cardiologists in London and Eastbourne carried out the first half-hour operations using the keyhole process. They reported the results as “exciting” after patients experienced an immediate reduction in extremely high blood pressure.

Dr Neil Sulke, a cardiologist at Eastbourne General Hospital, said: “This operation holds the promise of a meaningful long-term reduction of high blood pressure in patients whose blood pressure isn’t controlled by their ­medication.”

The article stated that the tests are aimed at significantly improving blood pressure levels in patients who have failed to get their blood pressure under control despite taking three or more drugs. The trial was conducted at The London Chest Hospital by Barts Health NHS Trust.

This is indeed good news for all the millions who are suffering of hypertension. I hope that this device will be approved soon. In the meantime, if you are hypertensive continue your medications and practice a lifestyle of exercise and good diet to live longer and prevent a heart attack or a kidney disease.