Breakthrough 20-Minute Treatment Could Cure a Common Cause of High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a global health concern affecting nearly one in three adults. It is often referred to as the “silent killer” because it can remain undetected for years while gradually damaging vital organs such as the heart, kidneys, and brain. A recent breakthrough study by researchers at Queen Mary University of London, Barts Health NHS Trust, and University College London has introduced a revolutionary technique called Targeted Thermal Therapy (Triple T). This minimally invasive procedure offers a promising alternative to traditional surgery for treating a common but often overlooked cause of hypertension—primary aldosteronism.

Understanding the Link Between High Blood Pressure and Primary Aldosteronism

Primary aldosteronism is a condition where tiny, benign nodules in one or both adrenal glands produce excessive aldosterone, a hormone that regulates blood pressure by controlling sodium and potassium levels in the body. Excess aldosterone leads to fluid retention and increased blood pressure, making it difficult for affected individuals to manage their condition using standard hypertension medications.

Shockingly, while one in twenty hypertension cases can be attributed to primary aldosteronism, fewer than one percent of these patients are ever diagnosed. This means millions of people around the world are unknowingly suffering from a curable form of high blood pressure. Left untreated, primary aldosteronism significantly increases the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and kidney failure.

Traditional Treatment: The Challenges of Surgery

Until now, the only effective cure for primary aldosteronism has been the surgical removal of the entire adrenal gland—a procedure that requires general anesthesia, a two-to-three-day hospital stay, and several weeks of recovery. Due to these challenges, many patients opt for lifelong medication instead of undergoing surgery.

The introduction of Triple T presents a game-changing alternative that eliminates the need for major surgery while precisely targeting the problematic adrenal nodule.

What is Triple T? A Minimally Invasive Alternative

Triple T, scientifically known as endoscopic ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation, is a cutting-edge technique that selectively destroys small adrenal nodules without removing the entire adrenal gland. This innovation is made possible through advanced diagnostic imaging using molecular dyes, which can accurately detect and locate even the smallest nodules.

How Does the Procedure Work?

1. Endoscopic Ultrasound Imaging

   • The patient swallows a tiny internal camera attached to an endoscope, which is a thin, flexible tube.
   • The ultrasound component of the device helps doctors visualize the adrenal gland and precisely locate the nodule.

2. Needle Insertion

   • A fine needle is guided through the stomach directly into the affected adrenal nodule.

3. Radiofrequency or Microwave Heat Application

   • Once the needle reaches the nodule, short bursts of heat are applied to destroy the malfunctioning tissue.
   • This controlled burn eliminates the nodule without damaging surrounding healthy tissues.

4. Quick Recovery

   • The entire procedure takes only 20 minutes and does not require external incisions.
   • Patients can return to their normal routine immediately, unlike traditional adrenalectomy, which requires weeks of recovery.

The FABULAS Study: Testing the Effectiveness of Triple T

A feasibility study named FABULAS (Feasibility study of radiofrequency endoscopic ablation, with ultrasound guidance, as a non-surgical, adrenal-sparing treatment for aldosterone-producing adenomas) was conducted to assess the safety and efficacy of Triple T.

Key Findings of the Study

• 28 patients with primary aldosteronism participated in the study.
• Advanced molecular scans pinpointed a hormone-producing nodule in their left adrenal gland.
• After undergoing Triple T, most patients experienced:
  • Normalization of hormone levels within six months.
  • Complete discontinuation of blood pressure medications.
  • No recurrence of the condition.
  • No significant side effects from the procedure.

Patient Testimonial

One participant shared their experience:

“Before the study, I suffered from debilitating headaches for years despite multiple doctor visits. As a full-time worker and single parent, my daily life was severely affected. This non-invasive treatment provided an immediate recovery—I was back to my normal routine straight away. I’m incredibly grateful to the team for giving me this choice.”

The Future of Triple T: Expanding Research and Global Implementation

The success of FABULAS has paved the way for a larger clinical trial called ‘WAVE’, which aims to compare Triple T with traditional adrenal surgery. The results of this study, expected by 2027, could determine whether this innovative treatment becomes a standard procedure worldwide.

What Experts Say

• Professor Morris Brown, co-senior author of the FABULAS study, stated:
  “It is 70 years since the discovery of the hormone aldosterone. With this breakthrough, we can finally offer a 21st-century solution for diagnosing and treating curable hypertension.”

• Professor Mark Gurnell, an expert in Clinical Endocrinology at the University of Cambridge, emphasized:
  “This breakthrough allows us to diagnose and treat more people with primary aldosteronism, lowering their risk of cardiovascular disease and reducing their dependence on long-term blood pressure medication.”

Triple T vs. Traditional Surgery: A Comparison

What This Means for Patients

• Faster, safer treatment for hypertension caused by primary aldosteronism.
• Minimally invasive procedure with minimal discomfort.
• Potential to eliminate the need for lifelong blood pressure medication.
• Reduced risk of heart disease, strokes, and kidney failure.

A New Era in Hypertension Treatment

With ongoing research and clinical trials, Triple T has the potential to revolutionize the management of high blood pressure linked to primary aldosteronism. This minimally invasive approach not only offers a quicker and safer alternative to traditional adrenalectomy but also empowers millions of undiagnosed individuals with an effective treatment option.

As researchers continue to fine-tune this groundbreaking technique, widespread availability of Triple T in endoscopy units worldwide could mark the beginning of a new era in personalized, non-surgical hypertension treatment.

This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor for diagnosis and treatment options.