What is a renal artery angioplasty?

The main blood vessel of the kidney is known as a renal artery.

Renal artery angioplasty involves the opening up of a narrowed renal artery. Under X-ray guidance, a narrow, flexible plastic tube called a catheter is inserted into the narrowed artery. Through the catheter tube, a balloon is inflated to open up the narrowed portion of the artery. After this, a stent is inserted to keep the artery open.

How do I prepare for renal artery angioplasty?

• You will be admitted to the hospital overnight. Don't forget your toothbrush, etc., during such admission. It should be clearly notified by the hospital whether you need anything else.
• Bring all X-rays that have been done in the last two years along with your request or referring letter.
• Bring X-rays with you at the time of your appointment with the radiologist, and they will then review them. You will be contacted by personnel in radiology when your films are ready for collection.
• Wear loose, comfortable clothing.
• Remove all jewelry and other personal valuables from your residence.
• You may be fasting four hours beforehand.

What happens before the angioplasty of the renal artery?

• You may be given a robe to wear.
• You may also remove metal items you are wearing.
• If you are receiving a sedative through this process, a needle may be placed in the back of your hand.

Inform your doctor before if:

• You expect to have a child.
• Whether you have allergies or other diseases.
• Any medications you are on currently.

What happens during the angioplasty of the renal artery?

You will be placed on the X-ray bed and asked to lie flat on your back. Your groin and arm will then be cleaned by the staff, and sterile drapes will be covered over you. A topical anaesthetic will then be injected; this may hurt a little.

A tube is used by injecting the dye into the artery, which can be found either in the groin or the arm. This tube reaches the renal artery. It is X-rayed to confirm that it has been placed in the appropriate position. The catheter is inserted into the area of the artery where narrowing occurs, and another catheter, which has a small balloon attached to its tip, is also inserted. This is inflated to dilate that part of the artery that has narrowed.

Now a stent is positioned over the balloon. The balloon is expanded after the stent has been correctly positioned. The balloon tube is then withdrawn, leaving the stent in place in the renal artery. A member of the staff will apply pressure to the little hole in your arm or your groin artery for around fifteen minutes to block the vessel.

Possible complications of the dye include:

• Some transient redness and a mild cooling sensation may be felt for a few days.
• Sensation of warmth on the skin; let the doctors know if this becomes an inconvenience.

No pain, but some soreness in the lower back is possible with the inflation of the balloon.

What happens after the angioplasty of the renal artery?

• You will usually be kept overnight in the hospital before being wheeled back to your ward. The nurse will constantly monitor your blood pressure and pulse, and also inspect your arm and groin area to ensure there is no bleeding.
• You can be prescribed aspirin or another blood thinner to prevent clotting near the stent.
• When you get home, your groin or artery wound can still ache a little. You'll be shown how to look after this.
• If the needle is in the arm, staff will have to remove it.
• You will be given any specific advice by the staff.
• Your urine will contain the color when it comes out of your body. You will not notice it as it is colorless.
• Drink lots of fluids to flush out the dye.
• If you had a sedative,
• It is not recommended to use public transport or to get into a taxi, car, or private vehicle for 24 hours after the procedure.
• You are required to have somebody with you for 24 hours.
• You cannot use heavy equipment for the rest of the day.

What are the benefits and risks associated with angioplasty of the renal artery?

Benefits of a renal artery angioplasty

• Used as an alternative to surgery for treating an artery.

Benefits of a renal artery angioplasty

Your physician knows of the risks and will be able to inform you whether an angioplasty of your renal artery is of more benefit to you than the risks as they are aware of them.

If you are taking any medications, your risk might be increased. These include anti-inflammatory drugs and blood thinners or anticoagulants.

Possible risks include:

• There is hardly any chance that the radiation might lead to cancer in the long term. The number of photographs you take decides the amount of radiation you get.
• An X-ray dye allergy, which is usually mild and responsive to medical treatment.
• Infection at the injection site.
• Occasionally, the treatment fails, exacerbates the spasm, or causes a blockage.
• Sometimes, this causes blockage to the other arteries, which can cause other problems.
• In very rare cases, death can result.

If you have any allergies, inform the staff or radiology doctor.

Do not be afraid to inquire about the risks as long as you are concerned about them. Discuss the risks with your physician prior to the scan.

How soon will I get the results?

• Where you get the procedure will determine how long it will take for you to get the results. In addition, the specialist radiologist will prepare the report after having reviewed images taken of the parts of your body involved in the procedure. The images could be on CDs or films.
• Ask whether you wait to take photos and bring the images taken along with you for your report, or will your doctor get them.
• This report has to be consulted with your doctor. It requires a doctor-patient consultation; hence, book an appointment.

Why Tender Palm Super-Speciality Hospital for renal artery angioplasty in Lucknow, India?

Tender Palm Super-Speciality Hospital is one of the best hospitals for renal artery angioplasty in Lucknow, India. We have a highly experienced team of vascular surgeons who use advanced tools and follow international standard infection control measures. Our hospital ensures safer procedures, quicker recovery, and improved long-term outcomes.

To seek an expert consultation for renal artery angioplasty in Lucknow, India:

Call us at +91-9076972161
Email at care@tenderpalm.com

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