What is a renal angioplasty?
A renal angioplasty is a way of relieving a blockage in the renal artery, the main blood vessel to the kidney, without having an operation.
A small flexible tube called a catheter can be positioned inside the renal artery. The angioplasty balloon is inflated inside the vessel and presses any plaque (blockage) into the walls of the vessel.
Once the stent is fully expanded, the balloon is deflated and removed from the vessel.
Why do I need a renal angioplasty?
Renal angioplasty is usually done to protect the kidney from further damage due to loss of the blood supply. You may already have had an angiography, which has shown a blockage in an artery.
What is Carotid Artery Angioplasty?
The blood vessels that bring blood to your brain and face are called the carotid arteries. A condition called carotid artery stenosis means that one or both of these arteries are narrowed.
Carotid angioplasty with stenting is a minimally invasive procedure in which a very small hollow tube, or catheter, is advanced from a blood vessel in the groin to the carotid arteries. Once the catheter is in place, a balloon may be inflated to open the artery and a stent is placed.
Why might I need carotid angioplasty and stenting?
You might need this procedure if you have carotid artery stenosis. Certain things can raise your risk of carotid stenosis. These include smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, obesity, and aging.
Carotid angioplasty and stenting are one of the options. Another is a surgery called carotid endarterectomy. This surgery removes plaque and any damaged part of the artery.