Renal angioplasty widens a narrowed kidney artery by inflating a small balloon inside it, and a stent, a tiny metal mesh tube, may be left in place to hold the artery open. A nephrologist in Mumbai considers it for renal artery stenosis that causes difficult-to-control blood pressure or declining kidney function. Selection is careful, as not every narrowing needs intervention.

How the Procedure Can Help

Reopening the artery restores blood flow to the kidney, which can improve blood pressure control and, in selected patients, help protect kidney function. It is performed through a small puncture without open surgery.

Risks and Considerations

The artery can narrow again, and the procedure carries risks of vessel injury, bleeding at the puncture site, contrast-related kidney strain and cholesterol fragments travelling to the kidney. Medicines to prevent clotting are usually needed afterwards, and blood pressure may not improve in every patient.