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A groundbreaking, minimally invasive treatment known as Targeted Thermal Therapy (Triple T) is showing great promise in curing a common but underdiagnosed cause of high blood pressure. Developed by researchers from Queen Mary University of London, Barts Health NHS Trust, and University College London, this innovative procedure could revolutionize hypertension management worldwide.
A Breakthrough in Hypertension Treatment
Published in The Lancet, the study suggests that with further testing, Triple T could help millions who suffer from primary aldosteronism, a condition that affects one in twenty individuals with high blood pressure. Alarmingly, fewer than one percent of those affected receive a proper diagnosis.
Primary aldosteronism is caused by small benign nodules in the adrenal glands that produce excess aldosterone, a hormone that raises blood pressure. Traditional treatment has involved surgical removal of the entire adrenal gland, a procedure that requires general anesthesia and extended recovery periods.
A Minimally Invasive Alternative to Surgery
Triple T offers a safer and faster alternative. This procedure uses endoscopic ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation to target and destroy the malfunctioning adrenal nodule while preserving the surrounding healthy tissue. The process, which takes only 20 minutes, is performed internally without the need for incisions.
The technique utilizes advanced diagnostic imaging with molecular dyes to locate even the smallest adrenal nodules. A tiny internal camera with ultrasound capability is inserted through the mouth into the stomach, where a fine needle delivers controlled bursts of heat to destroy the problematic tissue.
Successful Trial Brings Hope
The FABULAS trial (Feasibility study of radiofrequency endoscopic Ablation, with Ultrasound guidance, as a non-surgical, Adrenal Sparing treatment for aldosterone-producing adenomas) tested Triple T in 28 patients. The procedure proved safe and effective, with most participants experiencing normalized hormone levels within six months. Many were able to stop taking blood pressure medication entirely.
Professor Morris Brown, co-senior author of the study, highlighted the significance of the breakthrough: “We are now able to realize the prospect of offering a minimally invasive cure for patients with primary aldosteronism, a major milestone in the field of hypertension treatment.”
One of the trial participants, Michelina Alfieri, shared her experience: “I suffered from severe headaches for years despite multiple GP visits. This treatment provided immediate recovery, allowing me to return to my normal routine right away.”
What’s Next?
Encouraged by the success of FABULAS, researchers have launched a larger randomized trial, WAVE, which will compare Triple T with traditional adrenal surgery in 120 patients. The results are expected in 2027.
Professor Stephen Pereira, lead investigator of the study, emphasized the future potential of Triple T: “With appropriate training, this technique could be widely implemented in endoscopy units worldwide.”
Professor Mark Gurnell from the University of Cambridge added: “Thanks to novel PET tracer molecules, we can now diagnose and precisely treat adrenal nodules, offering a significant step forward in hypertension care.”
A New Era for Hypertension Management
This innovative procedure could dramatically change the treatment landscape for millions suffering from undiagnosed primary aldosteronism. With ongoing research and clinical trials, Triple T has the potential to become a standard medical procedure, providing a safe and effective alternative to major surgery.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Readers should consult a healthcare professional before considering any medical treatment. The findings discussed are based on ongoing research, and further trials are necessary to confirm the long-term efficacy and safety of the procedure.
