Global clinical trial for treatment of high blood pressure commences at Galway University Hospitals

A clinical trial to evaluate a new, investigational treatment for patients with high blood pressure commenced in Galway University Hospitals (GUH) this month

Dr Faisal Sharif, Consultant Cardiologist at GUH, is the principal investigator leading the study. He said, “This new investigational technique for treating high blood pressure using the Peregrine System KitTM is minimally invasive and is carried out under mild sedation. We use a special catheter which is inserted through a small incision in the groin and guided to the renal arteries using angiography. The catheter then delivers a small dose of medical alcohol to the area just outside the renal artery where the nerves that contribute to the increase in blood pressure are located. The alcohol has the effect of deactivating the over-signalling of the nerves and this in turn reduces the blood pressure.”

“High blood pressure, if untreated, can lead to stroke, heart failure, kidney disease among many other complications. The standard treatment includes diet, exercise and prescription medication which can be very effective. However, there are some patients who are still unable to manage their blood pressure with these interventions alone and this clinical trial is an important step towards delivering an alternative treatment.

“We have used other methods to deactivate the nerves in the renal artery, such as using low-power radiofrequency energy instead of alcohol. This new process using medical alcohol was developed by Ablative Solutions, Inc. and we are the only hospital in Ireland involved in the clinical trial for this new system.

“Patients who are interested in taking part in the clinical trial may contact our research nurse, Geraldine Stapleton on 086 0296159 to see if they qualify.”

Ms Chris Kane, General Manager, Galway University Hospitals added, “As the level 4 hospital within the Saolta University Health Care Group, the proactive research culture here in the hospital enables our patients to benefit from new treatments in order to improve their health outcomes. This clinical trial is a good example of integrating research and innovation to deliver patient-centred care.”

The clinical trial for this new treatment for high blood pressure is underway in 25 hospitals in Europe and further information can be found at www.targetbptrial.com.

Photo Caption:
Dr Faisal Sharif, Consultant Cardiologist at Galway University Hospitals and principal investigator leading the hospital’s involvement in a global clinical trial for treatment of high blood pressure with John Killilea, Research Assistant, NUI Galway.