Hypertension, otherwise known as high blood pressure, is when the force of blood against the wall of the artery is continuously high. Many medications are available for controlling blood pressure. However, when conditions get extreme it can be diagnosed as renovascular hypertension (RVHT). This is due to blood flow being restricted to the kidneys. Renovascular hypertension is resistant to medication and will require minimally invasive treatment. Renal artery angioplasty and stenting is when our interventional radiologist can open the narrow renal arteries to restore normal blood flow. This is done through a small puncture site rather than surgery. The interventional radiologist guides a catheter to the diseased portion of the blood vessel where they can expand the blood vessel and flatten the plaque causing the blockage with a balloon. If needed, the narrowed vessel can also be stented.
Conditions and how they're treated
- Conditions Treated: Renal artery stenosis (RAS), Fibromuscular Dysplasia (FMD), drug-resistant hypertension
- Reason for Procedure: Narrowing or stenosis of the renal arteries can occur for various reasons, including atherosclerosis. Renal artery stenosis can lead to decreased renal function and high blood pressure. If RAS is suspected, CT scan or MRI imaging might be obtained. However, renal artery angiography remains the gold standard method to evaluate and treat narrowing of your renal arteries.
- How It’s Performed: An Interventional Radiologist will access an artery in your wrist or leg. Small catheters will be advanced into the renal arteries under X-ray guidance. Contrast dye will be injected, and arterial pressure measurements may be obtained to study the arteries. If RAS is suspected, the arteries might be ballooned (angioplasty) or stented open.
- Anesthesia: Conscious Sedation
- Recovery Time: 2-4 hours
- For more information and to schedule a consultation with one of our IR physicians, please call 631-403-7088
