Results show benefits of RX Herculink Elite Stent (Abbott Vascular) in patients with Renal Artery Stenosis

Results from the HERCULES trial evaluating the safety and effectiveness of the RX Herculink Elite Stent, from Abbott Vascular, found that Renal Artery Stenosis patients with higher blood pressure levels at baseline had the most dramatic reduction in blood pressure following intervention. At the start of the trial the mean systolic blood pressure of the trial group was 162 mm Hg and nearly 70% of patients were taking three or more medications to control hypertension. Success rates for the trial device, procedure and clinical outcomes were 96%, 99%, and 98%, respectively. Researchers reported that freedom from major adverse events (death, kidney removal, or embolism causing renal injury) was 95%.

At the nine-month follow-up the restenosis rate was 11% and the mean systolic blood pressure for participants was 145 mm Hg post-stenting with no change in medications. Researchers found no association between a reduction in blood pressure following stenting and elevated BNP pre-procedure, or a decrease in BNP levels following successful stenting. This study is published in Catheterization and Cardiovascular Interventions. See: Significant Reduction in Systolic Blood Pressure Following Renal Artery Stenting in Patients with Uncontrolled Hypertension: Results from the HERCULES Trial." Michael R. Jaff et al. Catheterization and Cardiovascular Interventions; Published Online: June 27, 2012 (DOI: 10.1002/ccd.24449); Print Issue Date: September, 2012.