Renal artery stenosis is a narrowing of the vessel(s) supplying blood to your kidneys. If you’ve been diagnosed with renal artery stenosis, minimally invasive procedures like renal artery angioplasty and stenting by an interventional radiologist can be a minimally invasive solution.

What is Renal Artery Stenosis?

Renal arteries deliver oxygen-rich blood to your kidneys, which filter waste products from your blood.
Renal artery stenosis is a narrowing of one or more of these arteries restricting blood flow to your kidneys. This can lead to:

  • High blood pressure (hypertension) that’s difficult to control with medication
  • Decreased kidney function
  • Kidney failure in severe cases

Renal artery stenosis can develop due to a variety of causes. The most common is atherosclerosis (development of cholesterol/calcium rich plaque in the wall).This is most commonly associated with conditions like diabetes, high blood cholesterol. Other less common causes include fibromuscular dysplasia (disease of the blood vessel wall), prior trauma etc.

Why Would a Doctor Recommend Renal Artery Angioplasty and Stenting?

Your doctor might recommend renal artery angioplasty and stenting if you have:

  • Uncontrolled high blood pressure despite medication
  • Signs of declining kidney function indicated by blood or urine tests
Renal Artery Stenosis

Wondering If You Qualify for Renal Artery Stenosis?

How Do I Prepare for Renal Artery Angioplasty and Stenting?

Before the procedure, your interventional radiologist will discuss your medical history and perform a physical examination. You might undergo blood tests and imaging studies of your kidneys and arteries to assess the severity of the stenosis and the condition of your blood vessels.

  • You need to Inform your doctor about all medications you take, including blood thinners and blood pressure medication.
  • You might be advised to fast for several hours before the procedure.
  • Arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure.
  • Wear loose-fitting clothing that allows easy access to the puncture site (usually in the groin).

What Happens During the Procedure?

Renal artery angioplasty and stenting are typically performed as outpatient procedures in a interventional radiology suite.

  • You’ll be positioned comfortably on an examination table.
  • Local anaesthesia will be administered to numb the puncture site (usually in the groin or the left wrist).
  • Using imaging guidance (fluoroscopy), a thin catheter is inserted into an artery in your groin/left wrist and threaded up to your renal artery.
  • Angioplasty: A small balloon catheter is inflated within the narrowed area to widen the artery and improve blood flow.
  • Stenting: If the narrowing is severe or persistent, a stent (a small, expandable mesh tube) is placed within the artery to keep it open so that blood flow is optimised.
  • Once complete, the catheter is removed, and a pressure dressing might be applied to the puncture site.
pae recovery

What is the Recovery Like After Renal Artery Angioplasty and Stenting?

Recovery from renal artery angioplasty and stenting is generally quick. You might experience some discomfort or bruising at the puncture site, which can be managed with pain medication. Your doctor will provide specific instructions on wound care and resuming activities.

Here are some general recovery tips:

  • Keep the puncture site clean and dry as instructed by your doctor.
  • Avoid strenuous activity for a few days.
  • Monitor the access site for signs of infection (redness, swelling, pus).
  • Resume your medications, including blood pressure medication, as directed by your doctor.
  • You might need follow-up appointments to monitor your blood pressure and kidney function.

What are the Risks of Renal Artery Angioplasty and Stenting?

Renal artery angioplasty/stenting is a minimally invasive procedure with a low risk of complications and a fast recovery time compared to open surgery. However, as with any medical procedure, there are some potential risks associated with renal artery angioplasty and stenting, including:

  • Bleeding at the puncture site
  • Infection
  • Damage to the renal arteries or kidney
  • Allergic reaction to contrast dye used during imaging
  • Stent migration (movement of the stent from its intended position)

Your interventional radiologist will explain the procedure and risks in detail before the procedure.

What are the Benefits of Renal Artery Angioplasty and Stenting?

Renal artery angioplasty and stenting offer several benefits for patients with renal artery stenosis:

  • Improved blood flow to the kidneys, potentially lowering blood pressure
  • Preserved kidney function and reduced risk of kidney failure
  • Minimally invasive procedure with quicker recovery and lower risks compared to surgery
  • Offers an alternative to long-term medication use

Renal artery angioplasty and stenting are minimally invasive procedures that can effectively improve blood flow to your kidneys and potentially lower blood pressure. If you’ve been diagnosed with renal artery stenosis, discuss this treatment option with your doctor to see if it’s right for you.

Interventional Radiology Society of Australasia (IRSA) is committed to providing patients with information about minimally invasive treatments like renal artery angioplasty and stenting. We encourage you to explore our website to learn more about the IRSA and interventional radiology, as well as find a qualified interventional radiologist in your area.

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FAQs

Interventional Radiolgists use image-guided minimally invasive procedures to diagnose and treat various medical conditions. Interventional radiologists use advanced technologies like fluoroscopy, and ultrasound to guide catheters and instruments throughout the body. Visit the IRSA website for more information and use our Find a Doctor tool to find an interventional radiologist near you.

Compared to traditional open surgery for renal artery stenosis, interventional radiology procedures offer several advantages:

  • Minimally invasive: Smaller incisions and quicker recovery time.
  • Image-guided precision: Ensures accurate placement of balloons and stents in renal arteries.
  • Outpatient procedure: Typically performed on an outpatient basis, allowing renal artery stenosis patients to return home the same day.
  • Less risk of complications: Minimises the risk of bleeding and infection associated with surgery.

Your doctor will determine your medication needs after the procedure. You might need to continue taking blood pressure medication or medications to help your kidneys function properly, depending on the underlying cause of renal artery stenosis.

The long-term effectiveness of renal artery angioplasty and stenting can vary depending on the severity of the initial narrowing and individual factors. In some cases, the treated renal arteries may remain open for years, while others might require repeat procedures over time. Regular follow-up appointments and preventing high blood pressure control can help extend the benefits of the procedure.

If renal artery angioplasty and stenting are not suitable options, your doctor might consider:

  • Medication management to control high blood pressure and slow kidney function decline.
  • Renal artery bypass surgery to avoid the narrowed renal artery and create a new pathway for blood to reach your kidney.

Here are some tips for maintaining good kidney health, healthy blood vessels, and functional renal arteries:

  • Maintain a healthy diet low in salt and high in fruits and vegetables.
  • Manage high blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
  • Control blood sugar levels if you have diabetes.
  • Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
  • Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.
  • Get regular checkups with your doctor, including blood pressure and kidney function tests.

The Interventional Radiology Society of Australasia (IRSA) website can help you find a qualified interventional radiologist in your area. Look for a doctor who is fellowship-trained in vascular and interventional radiology and has experience performing procedures on renal arteries.


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