A Minimally Invasive Way to Improve Kidney Blood Flow and Control Blood Pressure
The kidneys need good blood flow to work properly. When the renal artery (the artery supplying the kidney) becomes narrowed or blocked, it can cause high blood pressure, worsening kidney function, and fluid retention.
Renal artery angioplasty and stenting is a minimally invasive, image-guided procedure that opens the narrowed artery and restores blood flow—often without open surgery.
Have difficult-to-control blood pressure or worsening kidney function? This treatment:
This procedure is done when a person has renal artery stenosis (narrowing of the kidney artery) causing problems such as:
Common causes of renal artery narrowing:
Goals of treatment:
The procedure is performed by an interventional specialist in a cath lab under X-ray guidance.
Step-by-step:
Renal artery angioplasty and stenting is generally safe in experienced centers. Possible risks with approximate incidence include:
Alternative 1: Medical Treatment Only (No Procedure)
Alternative 2: Renal Artery Denervation
Alternative 3: Surgical Repair or Bypass of Renal Arteries
Choosing the Right Treatment
Many patients benefit from minimally invasive renal artery angioplasty and stenting, which can improve blood flow to the kidneys with less risk and faster recovery compared to open surgery. A personalized evaluation helps determine the best approach to control blood pressure and protect kidney function.
📌 Many patients do well with medicines alone. Angioplasty/stenting is chosen for selected patients who have symptoms or complications.
After the procedure:
Some patients notice better blood pressure control over weeks to months.
Renal artery angioplasty and stenting is a minimally invasive procedure used to open a narrowed kidney artery with a balloon and sometimes place a small metal stent to keep the artery open and improve blood flow to the kidney.
It is done in selected patients to:
Renal artery stenosis means narrowing of the artery that supplies blood to the kidney, usually due to fatty deposits (atherosclerosis) or a condition called fibromuscular dysplasia (FMD).
No. It is a catheter-based, minimally invasive procedure, not open surgery.
It is done under local anesthesia and sometimes light sedation, so most patients feel little or no pain during the procedure.
The procedure usually takes 45 to 90 minutes, depending on the complexity of the narrowing.
Many patients go home the same day or after one night of observation.
It may improve blood pressure control in some patients, but many people will still need blood pressure medicines after the procedure.
The procedure is very successful in opening the artery. The benefit on blood pressure or kidney function depends on the cause and stage of disease.
Possible risks include bruising or bleeding at the puncture site, allergic reaction to contrast dye, temporary kidney function changes, artery injury, or re-narrowing of the artery. Serious complications are uncommon.
Yes, re-narrowing (restenosis) can happen in some cases, but follow-up and repeat treatment are possible if needed.
Yes. Most patients continue blood pressure medicines and may need blood-thinning and cholesterol-lowering medicines.
Many patients do well with medicines alone. Angioplasty/stenting is used in selected patients who have complications or do not respond well to medicines.
Yes. Renal artery angioplasty and stenting is available in advanced cardiac and vascular centers across India.
You should consider specialist evaluation if you have:
If you have hard-to-control blood pressure or worsening kidney function and scans show renal artery narrowing, you may benefit from a specialist evaluation.
