Henry Ford Health Begins Trial for Pulmonary Artery Denervation Treatment

Henry Ford Health has performed the initial procedures in a clinical trial evaluating pulmonary artery denervation, Diagnostic and Interventional Cardiology reported. The procedures took place in August 2026 at Henry Ford Hospital. The investigational treatment targets patients with pulmonary hypertension associated with heart disease, a serious condition that impairs breathing and exercise capacity. [1]

The procedure relies on intentional denervation, which involves interrupting nerve supply to specific tissues to manage a medical condition. As background details show, intentional denervation is a surgical technique that is also used in procedures such as renal denervation for uncontrolled high blood pressure. In this new trial, doctors are applying a similar catheter approach to nerve pathways in the pulmonary artery. [1][6]

Pulmonary hypertension related to heart disease can severely impact patient quality of life. The minimally invasive procedure aims to alter nerve signals to improve vascular function in the lungs. Researchers are studying the treatment in humans to determine its safety and therapeutic efficacy. [1][6]

The trial represents the first global procedures conducted for this specific clinical study on pulmonary artery denervation. Researchers will continue to evaluate the clinical outcomes of the enrolled human patients to measure improvements in breathing function and overall exercise capacity. [1]