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Programs & Services - Medical Imaging

Angiography > Exams & Procedures > Renal Angioplasty

Once a patient has had a renal angiogram, stenosis (narrowing) of the artery leading into the kidney may be noticed. Angioplasty (ballooning) of the affected vessel can be performed to improve the blood supply to the kidney. A small thin tube often referred to as a catheter is inserted into an artery, usually in a blood vessel in the groin region. The catheter is then placed to access the renal artery. Angioplasty (ballooning) is performed. Once the procedure is over, the radiologist will apply pressure to the puncture site for 10 minutes. The procedure takes about one hour.

Preparation

  • If you are diabetic, do everything you would normally do. Do not take your metformin. A blood test will be done once you arrive in hospital.
  • If you are not diabetic, do not have anything to eat or drink after midnight.
  • If you are taking aspirin, Coumadin, Tyclid, Plavix or Aggrenox please stop taking this medication one week before, but only with your doctor's approval.
  • Please take all of your medications with a small amount of water, especially heart and blood pressure medications.
  • If you have had a previous allergic reaction to contrast media (X-ray dye), please inform us and your doctor in advance. Your doctor may order a medication for you to take prior to your procedure.
  • You will need someone to take you home and stay with you overnight, if there is no other adult at home.