Highpoint Health – Sumner with Ascension Saint Thomas performed the first renal denervation (RDN) procedure in Sumner County recently. This procedure is for certain patients with high blood pressure. The Symplicity Spyral™ renal denervation (RDN) system involves a minimally invasive procedure that targets nerves near the kidneys that can become overactive and cause high blood pressure.

The procedure – also known as the Symplicity™ blood pressure procedure - is approved for use as an adjunctive treatment in patients with high blood pressure (or hypertension) when lifestyle changes and medications do not adequately control blood pressure.

Hypertension is the single largest contributor to death, according to the World Health Organization, and affects about 50% of U.S. adults, says the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Of the U.S. adults who are aware of their hypertension, about 80% do not have it under control. This procedure can help reduce high blood pressure, which can lower serious health risks.

How does it work:

· A patient is given mild sedation and taken to the cardiac catheterization lab (known as a cath lab)

· The doctor inserts a very thin tube into the artery leading to the kidney.

· The doctor administers energy to calm the excessive activity of the nerves connected to the kidney.

· The tube is removed, leaving no implant behind.

“High blood pressure is a significant problem for patients. For people with hypertension, medication and/or lifestyle changes can help reduce blood pressure, but studies have shown that many people still don’t have control over their condition,” said Dr. Gary

“Beau” Yawn, the Ascension Saint Thomas Heart cardiologist who did the first procedure at Highpoint Health – Sumner in Gallatin.

“The Symplicity blood pressure procedure can provide patients with a blood pressure reduction benefit that is ‘always on’ and doesn’t require a permanent implant – it can also help patients regain their peace of mind. We are looking forward to the future of hypertension care and are proud to be offering innovative solutions without the burden of having to travel to Nashville. This is high quality heart care close to home.”

If you or someone you know is experiencing high or difficult to control blood pressure, talk to your doctor.

About Highpoint Health with Ascension Saint Thomas

Highpoint Health is a regional health system dedicated to making communities healthier in Middle Tennessee. It is composed of Highpoint Health – Sumner, a 167-bed hospital in Gallatin; the Highpoint Health – Sumner Station campus in Gallatin; Highpoint Health – Riverview, a 35-bed critical access hospital in Carthage; Highpoint Health – Trousdale, a 25-bed critical access hospital in Hartsville; and in March 2025, Highpoint Health – Winchester and Sewanee (jointly 198 acute and skilled care beds) joined the system as well. Highpoint Health is operated as part of a joint venture between Lifepoint Health and Ascension Saint Thomas. This collaboration brings together the organizations’ clinical excellence, best practices, and talented caregivers to collaborate in new ways that improve access to high quality clinical programs and specialty care for patients and communities. To learn more, visit HighpointHealthSystem.com.