Renal Artery Angioplasty and Stents

Blood is supplied to the kidney via the renal artery. If the renal artery develops a buildup of plaque on the walls, it narrows the artery and prevents good blood flow to the kidney. The blockage needs to be removed to prevent eventual damage to the kidney. Angioplasty and stenting are done to remove the blockage without major surgery.

Renal artery angioplasty and stenting begin with an IV and a mild sedative. The patient is placed supine on an x-ray bed, and the skin at the entry point is cleaned and sterilized. After injecting local anesthesia, an incision is made, and a catheter is inserted. The catheter is advanced to the renal artery, and dye is injected to get a confirmation x-ray. When the doctor is sure the catheter is in the correct position, a tiny balloon is inflated for a few minutes to clear the blockage. A stent is slid in place over the balloon, and the balloon is deflated. The catheter is withdrawn and the incision closed. Pressure is placed on the incision to prevent bleeding. The entire procedure takes between 1 to 1-1/2 hours.

Stanislaus Cardiology provides renal artery angioplasty and stenting for renal artery narrowing.