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What is Renal Artery Stenting?
Renal artery stenting is performed to open blockages in the renal arteries due to renal artery stenosis. Blockage of the kidney artery can lead to serious problems such as hypertension (high blood pressure) and kidney failure. Renal artery blockages affect how blood flows to the kidneys, and stenting opens these blockages to restore optimal blood flow.
Treatment for renovascular hypertension at South Florida Vascular Associates typically includes a simultaneous angiogram and angioplasty to diagnose and treat a blocked artery in the kidney.
Diagnosing Blocked Renal Arteries
Having a blocked renal artery can lead to significant problems, so it is wise to seek the attention of a medical professional as soon as possible. A trained vascular specialist can provide the appropriate diagnosis and treatment for many types of artery problems, including renal angiography and angioplasty.
A renal angiography, also known as an angiogram, is an imaging test to view the blood vessels in the kidneys. It can be used to diagnose blockages and other blood vessel problems. This procedure is performed by an interventional radiologist on an outpatient basis.
During an angiogram, the doctor will insert a thin tube called a catheter into the artery through a small incision. A substance called contrast dye is injected to make the blood vessels visible on the X-ray.
In many instances, the interventional radiologist can treat a blocked blood vessel without surgery at the same time the angiogram is performed using techniques called angioplasty and thrombolysis.
The Renal Artery Balloon Angioplasty and Stent Placement Procedure
Renal angioplasty is a procedure for opening narrowed blood vessels located in the kidneys. During this procedure, a small balloon attached to a thin tube (catheter) is inserted into a blood vessel through a small incision in the skin. Under X-ray guidance, the catheter is threaded to the site of the narrowed artery. The balloon is then inflated to open the artery. In some cases, a small metal scaffold called a stent is also inserted to hold the blood vessel open. Angioplasty and stents often replace bypass graft surgery in treating artery problems.
Renal Artery Stenting Aftercare
Following renal artery stenting, you may need to stay in the hospital overnight depending on your individual case. Your physician will provide you with specific aftercare instructions regarding how to take medications and when you can return to normal activities.
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For more information about renal artery stenting and renal artery balloon angioplasty, contact South Florida Vascular Associates by giving us a call or filling out our online form. We are proud to serve the greater Southeast Florida areas with locations in Coconut Creek, Boynton Beach, and Plantation, FL.