CLINTON — MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center has introduced renal denervation, a new minimally invasive treatment for patients with uncontrolled high blood pressure.
Washington, D.C., resident Walwyn Watson became the first patient at the hospital to undergo the procedure on April 17, 2026. Watson had lived with dangerously high blood pressure since his 2018 diagnosis, often recording systolic readings above 200 mm Hg despite taking about 15 pills daily. He later suffered a stroke and heart attack, and the condition left him on disability.
After the procedure, Watson reported feeling better and expressed hope that his blood pressure can finally be controlled. His most recent reading was approximately 154/98 mm Hg, with further improvement expected over several months.
Approximately 120 million U.S. adults have high blood pressure, but only one in four have it under control. This statistic highlights the need for additional options beyond medications and lifestyle changes.
Renal denervation targets overactive nerves in the renal arteries that help regulate blood pressure. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the procedure in 2023 for resistant hypertension, a condition in which blood pressure remains elevated despite multiple medications and healthy lifestyle efforts.
During the outpatient procedure, a physician makes a small incision in the groin and guides a catheter to the renal arteries using advanced imaging. Radiofrequency or ultrasound energy disrupts the nerves surrounding the arteries. The process typically takes less than an hour, and patients return home the same day.
Brian C. Case, MD, performed Watson’s procedure. “Renal denervation offers a promising option for patients who have struggled for years to control their blood pressure,” Dr. Case said. “The procedure is simple, safe, and can provide meaningful reductions in blood pressure without leaving any permanent device in the body.”
Clinical studies show the treatment can lower systolic blood pressure by an average of about 10 mm Hg or more over two to three months. Some patients may reduce the number or dosage of medications as their blood pressure improves.
Patients who may benefit include those with resistant hypertension despite taking three or more medications, those experiencing side effects from medications, individuals who have difficulty taking medications consistently, those diagnosed with high blood pressure as teens or young adults, and patients with additional conditions such as obesity or Type 2 diabetes.
Allen J. Taylor, MD, FACC, chairman of Cardiology at MedStar Heart and Vascular Institute, noted that even modest blood pressure reductions can significantly lower the risk of future cardiovascular events. The procedure complements, rather than replaces, medications and heart-healthy habits such as regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight and limiting sodium intake.
“There is very little recovery involved,” Dr. Case said. “Most patients experience only minor soreness at the access site and can return to normal activities quickly.”
Southern Maryland residents with uncontrolled hypertension now have access to this option locally at MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center. Individuals should consult their physicians to determine if renal denervation is appropriate for their situation.
For more information, visit MedStar Health High Blood Pressure Services.
