Renal Artery Stenting

Renal artery stenting is a procedure to open the renal arteries -- the large blood vessels that carry blood to the kidneys -- when they have become blocked due to renal artery stenosis. This is most often caused by atherosclerosis or fibrous disease of the arteries. When a renal artery is clogged, blood flow to the kidneys is affected. Stenting opens the blockage and restores normal blood flow.

Renal artery stenting is done during a procedure called angioplasty, which involves inserting a small catheter in the diseased renal artery. An angioplasty catheter has a balloon on its end in order to inflate or dilate the narrowed area. Angioplasty is a minimally invasive procedure, which means that it is performed through small incisions rather than by cutting the body open.

Angioplasty takes place in a catheterization laboratory, a room equipped with special X-ray and imaging machines. Before the procedure, you will receive medication to help you relax, but you will be awake. You are also given a contrast dye that makes your arteries easier to see on the imaging equipment. You may feel some discomfort during the procedure, but it is generally not painful.