IJN Performs Southeast Asia's First Transradial Renal Denervation Procedure

KUALA LUMPUR, July 3 (Bernama) -- The National Heart Institute (IJN) has achieved another significant milestone in cardiovascular care with the successful completion of Southeast Asia’s first transradial renal denervation (RDN) procedure using the Iberis® RDN System.

The Iberis® RDN System is a multi-electrode renal denervation system designed to deliver radiofrequency energy to the renal sympathetic nerves, and its radial access capability enables the procedure to be performed through the radial artery in the wrist, offering an alternative to the conventional femoral approach through the groin.

In a statement today, IJN said the landmark procedure, led by IJN senior consultant cardiologist, Datuk Seri Dr Azhari Rosman, together with consultant cardiologist Dr Thum Chan Ho, was performed on a 35-year-old patient with resistant hypertension whose blood pressure remained uncontrolled despite optimal multi-drug therapy.

“Renal denervation is a minimally invasive procedure that targets the nerves around the renal arteries, which play a role in regulating blood pressure. By reducing overactive sympathetic nerve signals to the kidneys, the procedure may help lower blood pressure in carefully selected patients with resistant hypertension.

“Unlike the conventional femoral approach, the transradial technique may improve patient comfort, support earlier mobilisation and reduce vascular access-related complications in suitable patients. The system also incorporates features such as independent electrode control, continuous temperature and impedance monitoring, and automatic safety mechanisms to support procedural safety,” the statement read.

According to Dr Azhari, the successful use of the transradial approach represents an important advancement in renal denervation therapy for selected patients with resistant hypertension.

“Resistant hypertension remains a complex condition that requires careful evaluation and a personalised treatment approach. Renal denervation provides an additional option for selected patients whose blood pressure remains uncontrolled despite optimal medical therapy.

“By performing the procedure through the radial artery, we are able to offer a less invasive access route that may improve patient comfort and support earlier mobilisation. This milestone reflects IJN’s ongoing efforts to bring advanced, evidence-based treatment options closer to patients who may benefit from them,” he added.

Meanwhile, IJN Group chief executive officer Prof Datuk Seri Dr Mohamed Ezani Md Taib said the achievement reflects IJN’s continued commitment to advancing specialised cardiovascular care through innovation and evidence-based therapies.

“Hypertension remains one of the most important risk factors for cardiovascular disease, and resistant hypertension can be particularly challenging to manage. This milestone demonstrates IJN’s ongoing commitment to exploring advanced treatment options that may benefit patients who require additional therapeutic approaches beyond medication.

“As a national referral centre, we remain focused on introducing clinically meaningful advancements that can improve patient outcomes, while ensuring that these treatments are delivered safely and appropriately by experienced multidisciplinary teams,”  he said, adding that the institution's achievement reinforces its role as Malaysia’s national heart centre and a regional leader in cardiovascular innovation.

On the same development, IJN chief clinical officer Datuk Dr Shaiful Azmi Yahaya said the procedure marks an important development in the management of resistant hypertension and was made possible through close collaboration between IJN’s clinical teams and its industry partner, Biosensors International Group.

“The transradial approach offers another option in delivering renal denervation therapy, particularly for selected patients where this access route is suitable. It reflects the continuous progress in interventional cardiology, where innovation is not only about introducing new technology but also about improving the way procedures are performed for the benefit of patients.

“We are grateful to our dedicated multidisciplinary team and Biosensors International Group for their support in making this milestone possible. Achievements such as this are important as we continue to strengthen IJN’s capabilities in managing complex cardiovascular conditions, including hypertension-related heart disease,” he said.

The statement added that IJN remains committed to advancing cardiovascular care through clinical excellence, innovation and collaboration, while continuing to raise the standard of treatment for patients in Malaysia and the region.

-- BERNAMA