Renal Artery Stenosis (cont.)
What surgical procedures are available for renal artery stenosis?
If the results of any of these screening tests suggest an abnormality of the
renal artery, an x-ray angiography is then performed. A 75% or greater narrowing
of the renal artery seen on the angiogram has been termed treatable renal artery
stenosis.
Treatable means that the stenosis of the artery is severe (75% or greater
narrowing), the artery needs to be widened (dilated), and it has a good chance
of responding favorably to the dilatation. Usually right at the time of the
angiography, an angioplasty is done. In this procedure a tiny balloon is
inflated in the interior space in the artery (the lumen) to dilate the narrowed
artery. Additionally, as part of the angioplasty procedure, a stent (tubular
device to prevent recurrence of the narrowing) may be placed in the artery.
In rare cases, vascular surgery (on
the blood vessels) may be done for renal artery stenosis. In these situations,
typically another vascular surgery near the renal arteries, for example the
aorta, is the main procedure. If renal artery stenosis is also present, then a
bypass renal artery surgery may be done
at the same time.
These invasive procedures are typically reserved for cases that do not
respond to medical treatment and where it has been determined that the stenosis
is causing or contributing to the uncontrolled high blood pressure. These
invasive procedures may only be done if it is thought that the kidney
dysfunction or elevated blood pressure can be effectively treated with the
procedures.
Next: Which patients can benefit from surgical procedures for renal artery
stenosis? »
- ACE Inhibitors - Read about ACE inhibitors like Altace, lisinopril, enalapril, ramparil, Zestril and more. Information includes side effects, drug interactions, and pregnancy safety information.
- Low Blood Pressure - Learn about low blood pressure (hypotension). Low blood pressure is blood pressure below normal and symptoms may include: lightheadedness, dizziness, fainting upon standing (orthostatic hypotension). There are many causes of low blood pressure, and treatment is dependant upon the cause.
- Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers (ARB) - Explains Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers (ARB), which are drugs used for controlling high blood pressure, treating heart failure, and preventing kidney failure in people with diabetes or high blood pressure. Article includes descriptions, uses, drug interactions, and side effects.
Latest Medical News
High Blood Pressure RSS