Renal Sympathetic Denervation Combined with Aorticorenal Ganglion Ablation for Treatment of Hypertension

The purpose of this prospective cohort proof-of-concept trial is to compare the efficacy and safety of renal sympathetic denervation (RSD) plus aorticorenal ganglion ablation versus RSD alone in the treatment of uncontrolled primary hypertension.

Currently, renal sympathetic denervation (RSD) has become the "third pillar" of hypertension treatment, following lifestyle interventions and pharmacological therapy. However, it still faces challenges such as limited and unstable blood pressure-lowering effects. One of the key factors contributing to the poor efficacy of the procedure is inadequate renal sympathetic nerve ablation, which is influenced by the complex renal artery anatomy and nerve network distribution. From a neuroanatomical perspective, aorticorenal ganglion (ARG) is a crucial hub for sympathetic nerve projection to the kidneys. We hypothesize that on the basis of RSD, additional ablation of aorticorenal ganglion can enhance the BP-lowering effect in patients with uncontrolled primary hypertension. Therefore, we plan to design the first multicenter, prospective, cohort, proof-of-concept trial to compare the efficacy and safety of RSD plus ARG ablation (ARGA) versus RSD alone in the treatment of uncontrolled primary hypertension.

Eligibility Criteria:
Inclusion Criteria:

* Male and non-pregnant female subjects;
* 18≤age≤70 years old;
* Primary hypertension;
* 24-hour ASBP ≥130mmHg after standard anti-hypertensive drug therapy;
* Arteries meet the criteria of catheter manipulation;
* Patient understands the purpose of this study, and is willing to participate and sign the informed consent;
* Patient is compliant and willing to complete clinical follow-up.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Abdominal aorta and renal arteries are not eligibility for catheter manipulation: 1) Renal artery stenosis \>50% or any renal artery aneurysms on either side 2) History of renal artery percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA), including balloon angioplasty and stenting; 3) abdominal aortic dissection, ulceration, or stenosis.
* eGFR \<45ml/min/1.73m2 (MDRD formula)
* Hospitalized within one year due to hypertensive crisis
* Participated other clinical trials including both drug and medical device studies within 3 months enrollment
* Female with pregnant or lactating, or having plans for pregnancy within 1 year
* Patient with sleep apnea who needs chronic oxygen-breathing or mechanical ventilation support (for example, tracheostomy)
* Patients previously or currently suffering from one of the following diseases: 1) Essential pulmonary arterial hypertension; 2) Type I diabetes; 3) Severe cardiac valvular stenosis; 4) History of myocardial infraction (MI), unstable angina, syncope or cerebrovascular accidents within half year; 5) History of primary aldosteronism, pheochromocytoma, aorta stenosis, hyperthyroidism or hyperparathyroidism; 6) Any disease conditions interfering the measurement of blood pressure (for instance, severe peripheral artery diseases, abdominal artery aneurysm, hemorrhagic disorders such as thrombocytopenia, hemophilia and severe anemia); 7) Plans to have surgery or cardiovascular interventions within following 6 months; 8) Alcohol abuse or unknown drug dependence history; 9) Neuroticisms such as depression or anxiety disorders; 10) Non-compliant patients unable to finish the research per physician's requests.