Examining the blood vessels in your kidneys
Renal arteriography is an imaging test used by physicians to see how well blood vessels in the kidneys are functioning. This test can help identify serious health conditions such as an aneurysm or ballooning of the blood vessel, stenosis or narrowing of the blood vessel or blockages.
During a renal arteriogram, which is another name for renal arteriography, physicians use fluoroscopy to take a series of X-rays to show the blood flow to the kidneys.
What to expect during renal arteriography
You will wear a hospital gown and be asked to lie straight on an X-ray table without moving. You will be given fluids and other medicine through IV line before the procedure begins.
A needle will be inserted into a blood vessel in your groin and a catheter will be inserted in this vessel. A special dye will be injected into the blood vessels so they will appear clearly on the X-ray images. The catheter will then be positioned at the kidney artery. Once in place, any narrowing of the renal artery can be widened by a procedure called renal artery angioplasty. A blockage can be treated by renal artery angioplasty and a stent.
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