Angioplasty
Angioplasty is the technique of mechanically widening narrowed or obstructed arteries. This is done by putting a guide wire with a collapsed balloon on it, into the narrowed location and then inflating the balloon. The balloon forces expansion of the plaque deposits and surrounding muscle wall, opening up the blood vessel and thereby improving blood flow. A stent (a fine mesh stainless steel tube) may be inserted at the same time as ballooning, which helps to ensure the narrowing remains open.
What is Renal Angiography?
A renal angiogram is an x-ray study of the blood vessels leading to the kidneys and is done to assess the blood flow to the kidneys. X-rays (cine films) are taken as contrast dye is injected into a catheter (a tiny plastic tube) that has been placed into the blood vessels of the kidneys. The specialist then assesses the cine for any narrowings or other abnormalities affecting the blood supply to the kidneys. If a narrowing is found, the doctor may treat the affected area with a vascular balloon (PTA or percutaneous transluminal angioplasty) or even place a stent in the affected area.
What are the risks?
- A small amount of bruising at the catheter entry point is relatively common. This is not usually clinically important unless it becomes painful.
- For procedures done from the groin sometimes a “false aneurysm” or out-pouching of the artery deep under the skin occurs at the puncture site. This shows up as increasing pain at the puncture site. The diagnosis is made by an ultrasound test and treatment is usually by an injection.
- Also, patients with kidney failure or other kidney problems should notify their specialist of this prior to the procedure as contrast can worsen existing kidney disease.
- Damage to artery or arterial wall, which can lead to blood clots. This is not a frequent occurrence.
