Augusta, Ga. (November 19, 2025) – Piedmont Augusta Hospital’s cardiovascular team, led by interventional cardiologists Paul Maddux, M.D. and Charlene Rohm, M.D., performed the region’s first procedure using the Symplicity Spyral Renal Denervation (RDN) System—an innovative, minimally invasive therapy for managing uncontrolled hypertension, also known as high blood pressure.

“By disrupting these signals, we’re able to reduce blood pressure levels without the need for additional medication,” said Michael Johnson, M.D., Medical Director of Piedmont Heart Institute of Augusta. “Renal denervation offers new hope for patients whose hypertension remains difficult to control despite medications and lifestyle changes.”

Approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2023, the procedure is performed in Piedmont Augusta’s Catheterization Lab under anesthesia. During the procedure, a thin tube is inserted into the artery leading to the kidney, where energy is delivered to calm overactive nerves. The tube is then removed, leaving no implant behind.

“We’re proud to bring another groundbreaking therapy to patients in the CSRA,” said Lily Henson, M.D., CEO of Piedmont Augusta. “Our mission is to provide the most advanced cardiovascular care close to home, so patients don’t have to travel for innovative treatments.”

Hypertension affects nearly half of U.S. adults and is a leading cause of heart attack, stroke, and kidney failure. Piedmont Augusta’s new hypertension program provides innovative solutions for patients whose blood pressure remains difficult to control.

The first U.S. patient to receive the Symplicity procedure was treated at Piedmont Atlanta Hospital by David Kandzari, M.D., Chief of Piedmont Heart Institute and Cardiovascular Services and lead principal investigator of the SPYRAL HTN-ON MED clinical trial.

For more information, visit piedmont.org/heart.