Renal Artery Stenting
A Minimally Invasive Treatment for Renal Artery Stenosis
What is Renal Artery Stenting?
Renal artery stenting is a minimally invasive procedure that is performed to treat renal artery stenosis. During the procedure, a small, flexible tube called a catheter is inserted into an artery in the groin and threaded up to the renal artery. Once the catheter is in place, a tiny metal mesh tube called a stent is inserted into the renal artery that will hold it open and improve blood flow to the kidney.
Who is a Candidate for Renal Artery Stenting?
Renal artery stenting is usually recommended for individuals that are suffering with renal artery stenosis, which is a condition that can lead to decreased kidney function. Common symptoms of renal artery stenosis include high blood pressure, decreased kidney function, and leg swelling. Renal artery stenting can help to improve blood flow to the kidney, relieve symptoms, and prevent further kidney damage. Before the procedure, a thorough evaluation is done, including imaging tests and blood tests, to assess the degree of stenosis and determine whether the individual is a candidate for stenting.
How is the Procedure Performed?
Renal artery stenting is typically performed under local anesthesia, which numbs the area where the catheter is inserted . The procedure usually takes between one and two hours to complete.
During the procedure, the catheter is inserted into the groin artery and guided up to the renal artery. Once in place, a contrast dye is injected into the artery which is shown through X-ray imaging to help the doctor visualize the blockage. A small balloon is then inflated to widen the artery, and a stent is inserted to hold the artery open.
Recovery Process
After the renal artery stenting procedure, your doctor will monitor you for any signs of complications. The recovery time is usually short and most people can return to their normal activities within a few days. Your doctor may prescribe you to take blood-thinning medicine to help you maintain healthy blood flow while you are recovering. In some cases, patients can develop restenosis, which is a condition where the renal artery becomes narrow again, so it is important to follow the doctor’s instructions and take any medications as prescribed.
Benefits of Renal Artery Stenting
Renal artery stenting has several benefits, including:
Improved Kidney Function: Renal artery stenting can improve blood flow to the kidneys, which can lead to an improvement in kidney function.
Minimally Invasive: Renal artery stenting is a minimally invasive procedure that can be performed under local anesthesia, which means less pain, less scarring, and a quicker recovery time.
Lower Risk of Complications: Renal artery stenting has a lower risk of complications compared to surgery, such as infection, bleeding, and prolonged hospitalization.
Long-Term Results: Renal artery stenting has shown to have long-term results in improving blood flow to the kidneys and reducing blood pressure.
Risks of Renal Artery Stenting
Like any medical procedure, renal artery stenting has its risks, including:
Infection: There is a risk of infection at the site of the incision or in the renal artery.
Bleeding: There is a risk of bleeding during the procedure or from the incision site after the procedure.
Allergic Reaction: There is a risk of an allergic reaction to the contrast dye used during the procedure.
Stent Migration: There is a risk of the stent moving from its intended location, which may require further intervention.
How Does Renal Artery Stenting Compare to Other Treatments?
Renal artery stenting is just one of several treatments available for renal artery stenosis. Other treatments include medication, balloon angioplasty, and surgical bypass. Here is how renal artery stenting compares to other treatments:
Medication: Medication can be used to control blood pressure and reduce the risk of blood clots, but it cannot reverse the narrowing of the renal artery.
Balloon Angioplasty: Balloon angioplasty involves inflating a balloon to widen the renal artery. However, the success rate of this procedure is lower than renal artery stenting, and the narrowing may recur over time.
Surgical Bypass: Surgical bypass involves creating a new pathway for blood to flow around the narrowed area of the renal artery. However, this procedure is more invasive than renal artery stenting and requires a longer recovery time.
Renal Artery Stenting at Indiana Vascular
Renal artery stenting is a minimally invasive procedure that can be used to treat renal artery stenosis. This procedure can help to improve blood flow to the kidney, relieve symptoms, and prevent further kidney damage. While there are risks associated with renal artery stenting, the benefits of the procedure can outweigh the risks for many patients.
At Indiana Vascular, our facility offers state-of-the-art equipment and our staff of experienced doctors that specialize in performing renal artery stenting. We will work with you in developing a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs, and will walk with you every step of the way to ensure an optimal outcome and quick recovery.
Do not allow renal artery stenosis to negatively impact your quality of life. Schedule an appointment with us today to receive a consultation and gain insight into the condition, as well as discover how we can enhance your overall health.
Frequently Asked Questions
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No, Renal Artery Stenting is not a painful procedure. It is performed under local anesthesia, and patients may experience some discomfort at the incision site for a few days after the procedure.
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Renal artery stenting is generally considered safe and has a low risk of complications.
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The stent is designed to be a permanent fixture in the artery, and in most cases, it will last a lifetime.
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Most patients can return to their normal activities within a few days after the procedure. However, it is important to avoid strenuous activities for at least a week after the procedure.