The First 21-year Bibliometric Analysis of Renal Denervation for Heart Failure (2004–2024): Mapping Global Trends and Future Directions

Introduction: This pioneering bibliometric analysis aims to evaluate the global research landscape and evolving trends of Renal Denervation (RDN) as an emerging therapy for Heart Failure (HF) over the past two decades (2004–2024). Methods: Utilizing tools including Bibliometrix, VOSviewer, and CiteSpace, we analyzed 222 English publications (135 articles; 87 reviews) from the Web of Science Core Collection. The study assessed publication trends, international collaborations, keyword co-occurrence, and thematic evolution. Results: Annual publications surged consistently post-2012. Leading contributing countries were the U.S. (37.4%), China (17.6%), and Germany (16.7%). Research focus shifted from foundational mechanistic insights to clinical applications, particularly in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). Key findings demonstrated RDN’s association with improved cardiac function, reduced NT-proBNP, and enhanced exercise tolerance. Discussion: The findings affirm RDN’s potential as a transformative intervention for sympathetic- driven HF, especially HFrEF, by addressing neurohormonal overactivation. Current evidence supports its efficacy, though limitations include a lack of randomized trials in HFpEF and standardized procedural protocols. Future directions should emphasize phenotype-specific trials and biomarker-guided patient selection. Conclusion: RDN represents a promising precision therapy for HF. Accelerating its clinical translation requires multidisciplinary collaboration, dedicated funding for trial validation, and integration of multi-omics and artificial intelligence for personalized treatment strategies.