Kuala lumpur: 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.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, IJN stated that 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.
Dr Azhari emphasized that the successful use of the transradial approach represents an important advancement in renal denervation therapy for selected patients with resistant hypertension. He noted that resistant hypertension remains a complex condition requiring careful evaluation and a personalized treatment approach. The transradial technique may improve patient comfort, support earlier mobilisation, and reduce vascular access-related complications in suitable patients.
Meanwhile, IJN Group chief executive officer Prof Datuk Seri Dr Mohamed Ezani Md Taib remarked that this achievement reflects IJN's continued commitment to advancing specialized cardiovascular care through innovation and evidence-based therapies. He highlighted the challenges of managing hypertension and resistant hypertension, emphasizing the importance of exploring advanced treatment options that may benefit patients who require additional therapeutic approaches beyond medication.
IJN chief clinical officer Datuk Dr Shaiful Azmi Yahaya stated that the procedure marks an important development in managing resistant hypertension and was made possible through close collaboration between IJN's clinical teams and its industry partner, Biosensors International Group. He stressed the significance of the transradial approach in delivering renal denervation therapy, particularly for selected patients where this access route is suitable.
The statement further 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.