What is the placement of a stent in the blood vessels leading to the kidney? (Renal Artery Stenting)

Do you have high blood pressure? Maybe you are using several medications, but are you still having trouble controlling your blood pressure? In such cases, the cause may be a blockage in the main blood vessel that carries blood to your kidneys. Today, we are going to talk about a special treatment method for such cases.

Simply put, what is Renal Artery Stenting?

It's very simple. The main blood vessels that supply blood to your kidneys (we call these the renal arteries) can sometimes become blocked by fatty deposits. This condition is called `(Renal Artery Stenosis)`. So `Renal Artery Stenting` is a procedure that involves inserting a small mesh-like tube (this is called a `stent`) into the blocked blood vessel, reopening the blocked area and restoring blood flow.

Think about it, the kidneys are the main organ that controls the amount of salt and fluid in our body. They do this by filtering the blood and producing urine. So if the kidneys don't get the necessary amount of blood, they can't do this job properly. Then fluid and salt start to accumulate in the body.

The kidneys also produce a hormone called `(Renin).` This hormone helps the body retain salt and water and tightens the blood vessels. When the kidney senses that the blood pressure coming to it is low, the kidney thinks that the blood pressure in the body is actually low. Then it secretes more `(Renin).` But what actually happens is that the blood vessel is blocked and the blood flow to the kidney is reduced, and the blood pressure in the body can become high at that time. When all of this comes together, we create a condition called `(Renal Hypertension)` that causes high blood pressure. This can put a lot of pressure on the heart and other organs, and over time, it can even lead to kidney failure .

Why is it necessary to place a stent in a blood vessel in the kidney?

If your doctor determines that you have a significant blockage in the blood vessel leading to your kidney and it needs to be treated, they may recommend placing a stent. This helps prevent further damage to your kidneys. But remember, not all blockages in the renal arteries require a stent.

There are generally several situations in which you may need this treatment:

• If more than 60% of the blood vessels are blocked due to fatty deposits inside the blood vessels (atherosclerosis), and it cannot be controlled with medication.
• If you are taking three or more high blood pressure medications at maximum doses and still cannot control your blood pressure.
• If both blood vessels leading to both kidneys are blocked by more than 60%.
• If you have only one kidney, and the blood vessel leading to it is more than 60% blocked.
• If you experience conditions such as ``flash pulmonary edema`` where the lungs suddenly fill with water.

What happens before treatment?

Before performing this treatment, your doctor will check your general health and perform several tests to determine if you need to have a stent.

You should tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking (including vitamins and herbal remedies) . Some medications, such as aspirin, blood thinners, and painkillers, can increase your risk of bleeding. Therefore,Do not stop taking any medication without asking your doctor.

Also, tell us about any allergies you have. This includes allergies to medications, certain cleaning products (like iodine), and foods.

What happens during treatment?

This usually doesn't make you completely unconscious. You'll be given a saline solution through a vein in your arm to help you stay relaxed and drowsy. So you won't have much memory of the treatment.

The doctor will make a very small incision in your groin or arm. Through that incision, a hollow tube (sheath) is inserted into the blood vessel. Then, another thin tube (catheter) is passed through that tube to the blocked blood vessel leading to the kidney.

Once the blockage is reached, a small balloon at the end of the tube is inflated to widen the blockage. Then, the metal mesh stent we mentioned earlier is placed in that place and opened. It then presses against the wall of the blood vessel, removing the blockage and opening a path for blood to flow. This stent is something that is permanently inside the body.

Once the stent is in place, the balloon is deflated and the catheter is removed. The incision is then closed by applying pressure or using a special device, and a bandage is applied.

What happens after treatment?

After the treatment, you will need to stay in the hospital for a few hours, possibly overnight. The medical staff will monitor your blood pressure, pain, and overall health. Your prescription may need to be changed before you go home. This will be explained to you.

When it is determined that you are fit to go home, you will be discharged from the hospital. However , you will need to have a family member or friend come to take you home.

What are the benefits and risks of this treatment?

Like any medical treatment, this one has benefits and minor risks.

How long does it take to heal?

Most people feel better within a few days. Your doctor will advise you on how active you should be for the first few days.

You will need to take blood-thinning medications to prevent blood clots until the stent is healed. For example, medications like `Aspirin` or `Clopidogrel`. Depending on your condition, you may need to take these for up to a month or a year. It is very important to take these medications exactly as prescribed and not stop them without consulting your doctor.

Most people can return to work or their normal activities within a week. However, if you do physically demanding work, such as lifting weights, it may take a little longer to recover.

When should I see the doctor again?

Sometimes new blockages can occur elsewhere in the blood vessel. So be sure to go to the clinic on the scheduled dates and see the doctor.

Also, if you experience any of the following symptoms , call your doctor immediately:

• If you get a fever.
• If you have difficulty breathing.
• If a skin rash occurs.
• If the area where the tube was inserted is red, purple, black, swollen, painful, or bleeding.
• If the leg where the tube is inserted is painful, cold, pale, or feels weak.
• If you develop new pain in your stomach or on the treated side.
• If you feel dizzy and your blood pressure is very low (hypotension).