Renal Artery Stent | Procedure | MedStar Health

Stents that expand narrowed arteries that supply blood to the kidneys

The renal arteries can become blocked or narrow from atherosclerosis (build-up in the walls of arteries), fibromuscular dysplasia (twisting of arteries) or other lesions causing obstruction of blood flow.

We can implant stents to widen the arteries and improve blood flow. Our MHVI physicians are experts in treating these problems.

What to expect during your stent placement procedure

You may be asked not to eat or drink before the procedure. Ask your doctor if you should continue taking your regular medications.

An IV will be inserted in your arm to provide fluids, medications, and sedation to help you relax. An injection of local anesthetic will be given in your arm or groin where the surgeon will insert a catheter, which is a thin, flexible tube with a balloon affixed to it. The surgeon will guide the catheter to the renal artery using X-ray images and may use a contrast dye to improve the image guidance.

Once the catheter is in place, the balloon will inflate to open the artery and press the stent against the artery wall, holding it open. The surgeon will remove the catheter and balloon, and you will be taken to a recovery area to be monitored for several hours before we send you home.

Conditions

Fibromuscular dysplasia (FMD)

A disease that causes abnormal cell development in the artery wall and results in arteries that bulge, tear, or narrow.

Left renal vein compression (nutcracker syndrome)

Left renal vein compression, also known as nutcracker syndrome, occurs when the vein that that carries blood filtered by the left kidney is pinched between the abdominal aorta and another artery or the spine.

Renal artery disease

Renal artery disease, also known as renal artery stenosis, is a narrowing or blockage of the renal arteries, which bring blood to the kidneys.

Tests

Fluoroscopy

A fluoroscopy is an imaging technique that uses a continuous X-ray beam passed through the body to create real-time, moving images of your internal structures.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

Magnetic resonance imaging, better known as cardiac MRI, is a combination of radio waves, magnets and computer technology to create images of your heart and blood vessels.

Our locations

Distance from Change locationEnter your location

MedStar Georgetown University Hospital

3800 Reservoir Rd. NW
Washington, DC, 20007

MedStar Washington Hospital Center

110 Irving St. NW
Washington, DC 20010

MedStar Good Samaritan Hospital

5601 Loch Raven Blvd.
Baltimore, MD 21239

MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center

7503 Surratts Rd.
Clinton, MD 20735

MedStar Franklin Square Medical Center

9000 Franklin Square Dr.
Baltimore, MD 21237

MedStar Union Memorial Hospital

201 E. University Pkwy.
Baltimore, MD 21218

MedStar Montgomery Medical Center

18101 Prince Philip Dr.
Olney, MD 20832

MedStar St. Mary's Hospital

25500 Point Lookout Rd.
Leonardtown, MD 20650

Ask MedStar Heart & Vascular Institute

Have general questions for our heart and vascular program? Email us at AskMHVI@medstar.net. If you have clinically-specific questions, please contact your physician’s office.