WHAT ARE THE RISKS?

THERE is a small risk of bleeding and bruising and healthy tissue could be damaged.

THE nerves destroyed in this treatment may grow back, but there’s no evidence that they will send faulty messages to the brain again.

‘Based on results of recent studies, this new technique has potential in lowering blood pressure in patients with uncontrolled hypertension,’ says Andrew Webb, an honorary consultant physician at St Thomas’ Hospital in London.

‘But the studies have been relatively small and of short duration. Larger trials are needed to establish long-term safety and benefit.’