Medtronic Inc.’s (NYSE:MDT) got the go-ahead to pursue trials of its Symplicity catheter system for treating hypertension via renal denervation.
The system includes a catheter inserted into the renal artery near each kidney via the femoral artery in the upper thigh. A generator on the tip of the catheter delivers lower-power radio-frequency energy to "deactivate" the sympathetic nerves, lowering blood pressure.