Description
Patients who have impaired kidney function or high blood pressure that is difficult to control despite taking many medications may have a narrowing (stenosis) of one or both of their renal arteries. These narrowings reduce blood flow to the kidney and can cause or contribute to the hypertension or kidney condition.
What is experienced?
In the catheterization lab, the stenosis can be non-surgically treated with an angioplasty balloon and stenting. With angioplasty, the narrowing is opened wider with an inflated balloon-tipped catheter. A stent is then used to provide a metal “scaffold” to keep the artery from re-narrowing. After the procedure, blood flow to the kidney is thereby restored and enhanced. The patient will experience the same preparation, sensations and post-procedure care as a patient undergoing a cardiac catheterization and coronary stenting.
