RENAL ANGIOPLASTY

Angiography is an X-ray exam of the arteries and veins to diagnose blockages and other blood vessel problems.
Balloon Angioplasty involves inflating a high pressure balloon in an area of narrowing forcing the vessel open. It is most often done at the time of the angiogram.

A Stent is a metallic framework which helps to hold the vessel open and is inserted collapsed inside of a catheter and released in the vessel

In a small percentage of patients high blood pressure (hypertension) is caused by a narrowing of the artery/arteries leading to the kidney. This condition is called renal vascular hypertension. It is more common in young patients and in patients with difficult to control hypertension taking multiple medications. This condition can be effectively treated by angioplasty and stent placement.

Thrombolytic Therapy This treatment is used if the blockage in an artery is caused by a blood clot. Thrombolytic drugs that dissolve clots are injected through a catheter to eliminate the clot and restore blood flow.