Effect of Catheter-based Radiofrequency Ablation Therapy of the Renal Sympathetic-Nerve System for Patient With Sleep Apnea Syndrome and Therapy Resistant Hypertension
Effect of Catheter-based Radiofrequency Ablation Therapy of the Renal Sympathetic-Nerve System for Patient With Sleep Apnea Syndrome and Therapy Resistant Hypertension
The aim of this prospective single-center study is to evaluate sympathetic nervous system directly measured by microneurography, 24-hour blood pressure, endothelial function, vascular compliance, quality of life and platelet adhesion in patients with sleep apnea syndrome (defined by a complaint of excessive daytime sleepiness, an Epworth sleepiness score>8[10], and an apnea/hypopnea index (AHI>15/h) before and after catheter-based radiofrequency ablation of renal nerve. If the selected patients are treated with CPAP, this therapy should be stable during the whole study time. Primary and secondary end-point will be measured before and 1, 3, 6 and 12 months after renal sympathetic denervation.
Inclusion criteria: We plan to include male or female subjects, age 18-80 with a diagnosis of medium-severe sleep apnea syndrome (defined by symptoms, a complaint of excessive daytime sleepiness, an Epworth sleepiness score >8, and an apnea / hypopnea index >15/h) and a resistant hypertension (systolic blood pressure >140 mmHg or >130 mmHg in patients with type II diabetes or chronic kidney disease, under treatment with three antihypertensive drugs including a diuretic).
If the selected patients are treated with CPAP, this therapy should be stable during the whole study time.
Every patient will be asked for a written informed consent.
Exclusion criteria: - Heart failure (normal ejection fractions on echocardiography and no clinical signs and symptoms of heart failure).