UPMC Mercy Performs the Hospital’s First Renal Denervation Procedure to Treat Resistant Hypertension
October 23, 2025
On Tuesday, September 30, 2025, the UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute team at UPMC Mercy performed the first ultrasound renal denervation procedure in Southwest Pa. — an exciting milestone for patients that suffer from resistant hypertension.
Led by interventional cardiologist John Pacella, MS, MD, UPMC Mercy is currently the only hospital in Southwest Pa. approved to perform this newly FDA-approved procedure. Renal denervation offers a promising option for patients whose high blood pressure remains uncontrolled despite multiple medications or who cannot tolerate standard therapies.
“Renal denervation represents a major advancement in how we treat patients with resistant hypertension," said Dr. Pacella. “We are proud to the be the first in the region to offer this innovative procedure and continue expanding access to advanced cardiovascular care.”
During renal denervation, an interventional cardiologist inserts a catheter into a blood vessel, typically in the leg, and places it into the renal arteries. Once in position, radiofrequency or ultrasound energy are used to ablate the overactive sympathetic nerves in the arterial walls. By ablating these nerves, the procedure reduces sympathetic activity and helps lower blood pressure in patients with resistant hypertension.
Patients may be considered for RDN if they have resistant hypertension, defined as a systolic blood pressure greater than 150 mmHg, despite being on 3 medications at 50% of their maximum recommended doses. Before referral, secondary causes of hypertension must be ruled out. Eligibility also includes patients with a history of severe hypertension that has led to hypertensive urgency, crisis, or congestive heart failure. During the initial phase of the program, only patients with Medicare are being accepted, but this is subject to change.
Dr. Pacella served as the principal investigator for the clinical trial that led to FDA approval of renal denervation in November 2023. This forward-thinking initiative led to a new procedure that represents a paradigm shift in managing a condition that affects millions of people and contributes to serious cardiovascular complications.
Congratulations to Dr. Pacella and the UPMC Mercy Heart and Vascular team for this outstanding achievement and for bringing cutting-edge care to the region.
To refer a patient, or to learn more, email Dr. Pacella at pacellajj@upmc.edu or Nikki Vogus at vogusnt@upmc.edu. You may also refer a patient through EPIC pool: South Hills HVI RDN.
