MURRAY, KY — Murray-Calloway County Hospital (MCCH) is proud to announce that its Interventional Cardiology Team, led by Dr. Ali Homayuni and Dr. William Lehmkuhler, is now offering renal denervation (RDN) using the Symplicity™ Spyral™ system — a groundbreaking, minimally invasive treatment for patients with uncontrolled high blood pressure (hypertension).

MCCH is among the first hospitals in the state to provide this advanced therapy, marking a major step forward in cardiovascular care for local patients. The Symplicity Spyral system, developed by Medtronic, is the first FDA-approved renal denervation technology available in the United States.

Hypertension is the single largest contributor to death,¹ and affects about 50% of U.S. adults.¹ Of the U.S. adults who are aware of their hypertension, about 80% do not have it under control.²

What is Renal Denervation?

Renal denervation is a minimally invasive procedure designed to reduce overactive nerve signals between the brain and the kidneys that can cause high blood pressure. Using a small flexible catheter inserted through an artery in the leg, the interventional cardiologist delivers gentle radiofrequency energy to the nerves surrounding the renal arteries. This helps calm the overactive nerves, allowing for improved blood pressure control.

“This technology gives us a new tool to help patients whose blood pressure remains elevated despite medication and lifestyle changes,” said Dr. Homayuni. “By targeting the source of overactive nerve activity, we can help many patients achieve safer and more consistent blood pressure levels.”

Dr. Lehmkuhler added, “Uncontrolled hypertension is one of the leading causes of heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure. The addition of renal denervation therapy at MCCH provides new hope for patients who have struggled to find effective long-term solutions.”

What It Means for Patients

Renal denervation is not intended to replace blood pressure medications but can work alongside them to help patients better manage hypertension. It may benefit those who have resistant hypertension — blood pressure that remains high even with multiple medications — or who cannot tolerate higher medication doses.

“Offering this advanced therapy at MCCH reflects our ongoing commitment to bringing innovative cardiovascular care to the region,” said Reba Celsor, CEO at MCCH. “Our patients can now access state-of-the-art treatment options close to home, supported by a skilled and compassionate team.”

Patients interested in learning more about renal denervation therapy or determining if they are candidates can contact Murray Cardiology at 270-762-1560 for more information or to schedule a consultation or visit the website at www.murrayhospital.org.

1. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The Surgeon General’s Call to Action to Control Hypertension. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Surgeon General; 2020.
2. Facts about Hypertension. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/bloodpressure/facts.htm. Accessed August 10, 2023.