Medtronic studies show long-term benefits of Symplicity

Medtronic has announced data from a new clinical trial of its Symplicity renal denervation system, showing the long-term benefits it can provide.

Results from the Symplicity HTN-1 study presented at the 2012 American College of Cardiology meeting show that the therapy is able to deliver sustained safety and effectiveness of renal denervation for up to three years.

Meanwhile, further data from the separate Symplicity HTN-2 trial also demonstrated sustained and significant blood pressure reduction for a year after the procedure.

These findings will support Medtronic's efforts to seek US regulatory approval of the system, which has been successfully used to treat more than 4,000 patients since 2007 and received its first commercial launch in 2010.

Dr George Bakris, president of the American Society of Hypertension, said: "As the duration of follow-up in these Symplicity clinical trials grows, so too does our confidence in the enduring safety and effectiveness of the Symplicity system."

Earlier this month, the company introduced its new CareLink Pro 3 Therapy Management Software, for use in the management of diabetes care.