First reported cases: renal denervation with secondgeneration multi-electrode catheter via brachial and radial access

Renal denervation is a minimally invasive procedure that aims to reduce brain–kidney sympathetic cross-talk. Despite the negative results of the recent SYMPLICITY HTN-3 trial, the procedure is considered safe and has been associated with many beneficial effects, including the reversal of hypertensive heart disease substrate and the prevention of cardiac arrhythmia. The first-generation radiofrequency catheter system featured a monopolar catheter that required sequential singlepoint energy application, followed by rotation, partial withdrawal of the catheter and re-application of energy. The latest generation device features four electrodes configured in a helical arrangement that can simultaneously ablate in four quadrants of the vessel circumference. Renal denervation via brachial or radial arterial access with the second-generation system has not been described before.