Kidneys are bean shaped fist size organs present in the back, just below the ribs. They are responsible for excreting waste, maintaining salt concentration and blood pressure in the body. The kidney is supplied by an artery called renal artery. Narrowing of this artery leads to reduced blood flow to the kidney leading to build up of salts and water in the body. The kidneys release a hormone called rennin, in response to reduced blood flow. Renin causes further retention of salts and water. This leads to a type of increased blood pressure called renovascular hypertension. Renal artery stenting is a procedure by which the normal blood flow to the kidney is restored, hence treating renovascular hypertension. In United states 4% of patients with hypertension have narrowing of renal artery.
Renal artery stenting is a minimally invasive procedure and requires only a small incision. This procedure is done in a catheterisation lab which is equipped with special x ray machine. Before the procedure you will be given medication to help you relax. A local anaesthetic agent will be administered over your groin. After the effect of anaesthetic sets in, your surgeon will make a small incision to gain access to the artery passing through your groin. A thin tube with an inflatable balloon at its end is inserted into this artery. A contrast dye is injected during the procedure to visualise the arteries on x ray. The catheter is guided upto the diseases renal artery under x ray guidance. The catheter is then carefully guided into the narrow portion of the artery. A guide wire with a balloon at its tip is introduced into the narrow part of the artery. The balloon is carefully inflated to open the blockade. A metal stent is placed inside to artery to ensure that it remains open.
Renal artery stenting is indicated for individuals with:
To decide whether you need renal artery stenting your doctor would like to request some tests. They are:
Renal artery stenting is a relatively safe procedure. The complications seen are:
After the procedure you will be prescribed blood thinning medications. You will be advised to take them until the area around the stent heals. It prevents formation of blood clots. It is important that you see your doctor for follow up appointments because there is a slight risk of development of narrowing after the surgery.