Renal artery stents

A renal artery stent placement is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat renal artery stenosis, a narrowing or blockage in one or both of the renal arteries that supply blood to your kidneys. This condition is most often caused by a plaque buildup in the arteries, and can lead to high blood pressure (renovascular hypertension) and potential kidney damage.

During the procedure, a vascular surgeon inserts a thin tube called a catheter typically through the groin and guides it to the narrowed renal artery using imaging. A small metal mesh tube called a stent is then placed at the site of the narrowing to hold the artery open and restore normal blood flow.

Renal artery stenting is often used when medication alone is not effectively controlling blood pressure or when kidney function is declining. By improving blood flow, the procedure can help protect kidney function and better manage blood pressure. It is typically done under local anesthesia and involves a shorter recovery time compared to open surgery.