Renal Artery Stenting

Renal artery stenting is performed to treat renal artery stenosis, which occurs when one or more of the arteries that carry blood to the kidneys becomes narrowed or blocked.

UPMC doctors are among the region’s most experienced at performing renal artery stenting to restore blood flow to your kidneys.

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What Is Renal Artery Stenting?

Renal artery stenting is a minimally invasive procedure to treat renal artery stenosis, which occurs when one or more of the arteries that carry blood to the kidneys becomes narrowed or blocked.

Your doctor will perform the procedure using a small thin tube called a catheter to restore blood flow to your kidneys before placing a stent to hold your artery open.

Conditions we treat with renal artery stenting

Renal artery stenosis.

Why Would I Need Renal Artery Stenting?

Renal artery stenting may be necessary if your cardiologist confirms that a significant blockage is present in one or both of your renal arteries. The procedure is usually done to protect your kidney from further damage due to loss of blood supply.

Who’s a candidate for renal artery stenting?

You may be a candidate for renal artery stenting if you have been diagnosed with renal artery stenosis.

What Are the Risks and Complications of Renal Artery Stenting?

Renal artery stenting is a safe, minimally invasive procedure. However, as with all medical procedures, it has some risks, including:

Bruising, infection, or bleeding at the insertion site.
Damage to your kidney or renal artery.
Blood clots.
Allergic reactions.
Kidney failure.

What Should I Expect From Renal Artery Stenting?

Before: How to prepare for renal artery stenting

Your doctor will explain the renal artery stenting procedure to you and give you a chance to ask questions. To prepare for the procedure, you should:

Tell your doctor if you are sensitive or allergic to any medications, iodine, latex, tape, or anesthetic agents (local and general).
Tell your doctor about all medications (prescription and over-the-counter) and herbal or other supplements you are taking.
Tell your doctor if you have heart valve disease. You may need to receive an antibiotic before the procedure.
Tell your doctor if you have a history of bleeding disorders or if you are taking any blood-thinning medications, aspirin, or other medications that affect blood clotting. You may need to stop some of the medications prior to the procedure.
Fast for a certain time before the procedure. Your doctor will tell you how long to fast (usually overnight).
Have any tests that your doctor recommends. For example, your doctor may request a blood test prior to the procedure to determine how long it takes your blood to clot.

On the day of your procedure, be sure to bring your photo ID and health insurance card(s). Leave valuables such as cash and jewelry at home.

Your doctor will let you know if you will be discharged the same day or if you will need to stay in the hospital overnight after your procedure. If you will be staying overnight, you should bring toiletries, a robe, slippers, a cell phone and charger, medications, and a change of clothes. You should also arrange for someone to drive you home from the hospital after you are discharged.

How long does renal artery stenting take?

Renal artery stenting typically takes 30 to 90 minutes (about 1 and a half hours), depending on the extent of the blockage or narrowing.

During your renal artery stenting

You will be positioned on a table and placed under local anesthesia. During your procedure, your doctor will:

Make a small incision in your groin.
Insert a thin, balloon-tipped catheter into your renal artery and guide it to the blockage.
Inflate the balloon at the tip of the catheter to widen your artery and restore blood flow.
Place a small tube called a stent inside your renal artery to hold it open.
Remove the catheter and suture your incision.

Recovery after renal artery stenting

When the procedure is completed, you will be moved to recovery for observation and monitoring. Your doctor will provide more information about your recovery, including whether you will be discharged the same day or will need to spend a night in the hospital.

What are the restrictions after a renal artery stent?

After you are discharged, you will need to avoid strenuous physical activity for at least 24 hours. Lie down often, particularly if bleeding occurs around the incision.

When to call your doctor about renal artery stenting complications

You should call your doctor if you are experiencing any unusual symptoms, including:

Pain, redness, bleeding, drainage, or increased swelling at the insertion site.
Chest pain or shortness of breath.
Severe pain, coldness, numbness, swelling, or discoloration in the limb where the catheter was inserted.
A fever of more than 100.0°F or chills.
Fainting, dizziness, or weakness.

If any of these symptoms are severe, you should dial 911 immediately.

What’s the prognosis after renal artery stenting?

For most patients, renal artery stenting restores blood flow to your kidneys and helps to reduce the risk of kidney damage.

What is the life expectancy of someone with renal artery stenosis?

Life expectancy after renal artery stenosis depends on the severity of your condition. Your doctor will discuss your life expectancy with you.

How long does a renal artery stent stay in?

Renal artery stents are permanent. However, you may need follow-up care to ensure your stent stays in place and your artery remains open.

Why Choose UPMC for Renal Artery Stenting?

UPMC specialists are among the most experienced in the region at diagnosing and treating renal artery stenosis using minimally invasive catheter-based techniques, such as stenting. We perform renal artery stenting procedures in our state-of-the-art catheterization laboratories.

Last reviewed by a UPMC medical professional on 2024-10-01.