Renal Denervation for High Blood Pressure: What Gulf Coast Patients Need to Know
The Problem with Hard-to-Control Blood Pressure
High blood pressure affects nearly one in two American adults. But here's the scary part — only about one in five people who have it has it under control. For many patients, taking blood pressure medicine every day still isn't enough. Their numbers stay dangerously high, which raises their risk for stroke, heart attack, kidney failure, and heart disease.
For a long time, there wasn't much else doctors could offer these patients. That changed in 2024, when the FDA approved a new procedure called **renal denervation (RDN)**. It's the only non-drug treatment for high blood pressure that the FDA has ever approved. Here in Southwest Alabama and along the Gulf Coast, Cardiology Associates is one of the first practices to offer it.
What Is Renal Denervation?
Think of renal denervation as a way to "quiet down" overactive nerves near the kidneys that are making blood pressure too high.
Here's how it works: Your kidneys help control blood pressure by sending signals through nerves to your brain. In some people, those nerves are way too active. They keep sending signals that push blood pressure up — even when you're taking medicine to bring it down.
During renal denervation, a doctor uses a thin, flexible tube called a catheter. It goes in through a small opening at the wrist or groin and is guided to the arteries near the kidneys. Then, gentle energy (called radiofrequency energy) is used to calm down those overactive nerves.
The procedure usually takes less than an hour. You don't need to be put completely to sleep, and most patients go home the same day. The goal isn't to replace your blood pressure medicine — it's to help your medicine (and your body) work better.
Does It Work? What the Research Shows
Yes — and there's strong evidence to back it up.
Cardiology Associates uses the Medtronic Symplicity Spyral™ system. It has been tested in several large, carefully designed studies.
One combined analysis showed that renal denervation cut the chances of a dangerous blood pressure emergency by 43%. That's a big deal for patients who have been struggling for years to get their numbers down.
Major heart organizations in Europe now recommend renal denervation as an add-on treatment for patients with hard-to-control high blood pressure.
Cardiology Associates: Leaders in Renal Denervation on the Gulf Coast
Cardiology Associates has been caring for patients in Mobile and Baldwin County for decades. Two of our doctors are leading the way when it comes to renal denervation in this region.
Dr. John Galla, MD, FACC, FSCAI — Mobile, Alabama
Dr. John Galla is an interventional cardiologist at Cardiology Associates in Mobile, Alabama. He trained at two of the top programs in the country — Duke University for his residency and the Cleveland Clinic for his coronary and interventional cardiology training.
He is an experienced cardiologist and focuses on treating blockages, heart valve problems, and hard-to-control blood pressure.
Dr. Stan Thornton, MD, FACC, FSCAI — Fairhope, Alabama
Dr. Stan Thornton is an interventional cardiologist at Cardiology Associates in Fairhope, Alabama. He trained at Oschner Clinic Foundation for both his interventional and cardiovascular diseases fellowships. He is a Principal Investigator for the U.S. portion of a major worldwide study called the Global Symplicity Registry DEFINE — or GSR-DEFINE.
In a historic moment, Dr. Thornton treated the very first patient enrolled in the U.S. part of the Global SYMPLICITY Registry (GSR) DEFINE clinical trial. This study is tracking up to 5,000 patients across 251 hospitals in 55 countries to see how renal denervation works in real-world practice. The fact that the first U.S. patient was treated right here on the Gulf Coast shows just how much trust the medical community places in Dr. Thornton and Cardiology Associates.
A Track Record of Firsts
Both Dr. Galla and Dr. Thornton were the first to locally treat patients at Springhill Medical Center and Thomas Hospital, respectively, using the minimally invasive treatment at and FDA-approved Medtronic Symplicity Spyral™ Renal Denervation System. Offering new hope for patients in the area with high blood pressure that is uncontrolled or unresponsive to medication.
Could Renal Denervation Be Right for You?
This procedure isn't for everyone. But you might be a good candidate if:
Your blood pressure is still high even though you take one or more blood pressure medicine
You have bad side effects from blood pressure medicines and can't take them well
You've been taking your medicine the right way but still can't get your numbers under control
Your doctor has checked and your kidney arteries are a good fit for the procedure
Some people — such as those with certain types of kidney disease or blood pressure caused by another medical problem — may not be good candidates. Your doctor will do a full checkup before recommending this procedure.
What to Expect
Before the procedure: Your doctor will look at your blood pressure history and your medicines. You'll likely wear a blood pressure monitor for 24 hours to get a clear picture of your readings throughout the day and night.
During the procedure: It is performed in the catheterization lab in the hospital. You'll get medicine to help you relax, but you won't be fully put to sleep. A thin tube is guided to the arteries near your kidneys, and gentle energy is used to calm the overactive nerves. It takes about 30 to 60 minutes.
After the procedure: Most patients rest for a few hours and then go home. There's no large incision, nothing left inside your body, and no long recovery period.
Follow-up: Your doctor will track your blood pressure in the weeks and months after the procedure. Your medicines may be adjusted as your body responds.
Why Choose Cardiology Associates?
Experienced doctors. Dr. Galla and Dr. Thornton were among the first in the region to offer renal denervation.
Full heart care. Renal denervation is just one piece of the puzzle. Our team looks at your whole heart and vascular health and builds a plan that fits you.
Close to home. With offices in Mobile, Fairhope and Foley, we serve patients across the Alabama, Mississippi and Florida Gulf Coast.
Ready to Learn More?
If your blood pressure has been hard to control — or if you're tired of taking multiple medications without seeing results — it may be time to ask about renal denervation.
Consult your primary care physician or call Cardiology Associates to arrange a visit with Dr. John Galla in Mobile or Dr. Stan Thornton in Fairhope. We'll go over your health history, answer your questions, and help you decide if this treatment is a good fit.
Cardiology Associates | Serving Mobile and Baldwin County, Alabama and surrounding communities. Offices in Mobile, Fairhope, and Foley
