A Renal Artery Angioplasty and Stenting procedure is focused entirely on the arteries that supply blood to your kidneys.
By opening up blockages in these specific vessels, the procedure helps protect your kidney function and can significantly lower dangerously high blood pressure.
Common Indications for Renal Artery Angioplasty
Your doctor may request this procedure if you have:
- Extremely high blood pressure that does not respond to multiple medications (renal hypertension).
- Unexplained worsening of your kidney function or early kidney failure.
- A known narrowing of the kidney arteries (renovascular disease).
- Fluid backing up into your lungs (flash pulmonary edema) due to poor kidney blood flow.
What exactly does a Renal Artery Angioplasty do?
When the artery feeding your kidney is blocked, your kidney thinks your body is dehydrated and releases hormones that drastically raise your blood pressure. This procedure opens the blockage and inserts a metal stent to hold the artery open, calming the kidney down and restoring normal blood pressure control.
What happens during the procedure?
A tiny tube is inserted into your groin and guided up to the kidney arteries. Contrast dye is injected to map the blockage. A balloon is then inflated directly inside the narrowing to stretch it open, and a stent is usually left behind to ensure the artery does not collapse again.
Do I need to prepare?
You will be asked to fast before the procedure. A blood test is essential to ensure your kidneys are healthy enough to filter out the contrast dye. Your blood pressure medications may be adjusted leading up to the test.
How long does it take?
The procedure itself takes about 1 to 1.5 hours, but you may be monitored overnight in the hospital to safely manage your blood pressure as it adjusts to the newly opened artery.
Will it be painful?
You will be relaxed from IV sedation. When the balloon is actually inflated inside the kidney artery, it is very common to feel a dull ache or pressure in your side or back (your flank). This discomfort is brief and will stop when the balloon is deflated.
Conclusion
Renal Artery Angioplasty is a vital treatment for preserving kidney health. By fixing the mechanical blockage restricting blood flow, it provides a long-term solution for managing severe blood pressure issues.