Hypertension + New Surgical Technique + Huge Market

Verve Medical is a medical device company specializing in hypertension treatment, with its core product being the Renal Pelvic Denervation (RPD) system.

Verve Medical’s RPD system utilizes radiofrequency ablation technology. By delivering controlled radiofrequency energy to the renal pelvis region, it inactivates overactive afferent and efferent nerve fibers, thereby blocking sympathetic nerve signal transmission between the kidney and the brain, achieving the goal of lowering blood pressure.

Unlike traditional renal artery denervation (RDN), Verve’s technique utilizes a natural orifice (transurethra) to enter the renal pelvis (the urine collection area within the kidney) for ablation. The company points out that the renal pelvis region has a higher density of nerve distribution and is more anatomically accessible, which may result in a more thorough and effective ablation. Clinical feasibility studies show that this system can reduce 24-hour ambulatory systolic blood pressure by an average of 20.3 mmHg and office systolic blood pressure by 22.4 mmHg, with the effect lasting for at least one year.

The system uses a non-vascular transurethral approach, inserting a thin, flexible catheter into the renal pelvis through the urethra in a manner similar to routine urological surgery. This design avoids femoral artery puncture, reducing the risk of vascular-related complications. The procedure can be completed in under 30 minutes, and patients can usually be discharged on the same day.

The catheter is equipped with a radiofrequency energy delivery device, enabling precise targeting of nerve fibers running along the outer wall of the renal pelvis. A monitoring mechanism throughout the energy delivery process ensures effective nerve ablation without damaging kidney tissue. X-ray or ureteroscopic image guidance is used during the procedure to ensure the catheter accurately reaches the target location in the renal pelvis.

Unlike some therapies that require permanent implantation, the RPD system is withdrawn immediately after ablation, leaving no foreign body and reducing the risk of long-term complications.