What causes blocked arteries in the kidneys?

Fats, cholesterol and other substances (plaque) can build up in and on your kidney artery walls (atherosclerosis). As these deposits get larger, they can harden, reduce blood flow, cause kidney scarring and eventually narrow the artery.

How do you unblock a renal artery?

Procedures to treat renal artery stenosis may include:

1. Renal angioplasty and stenting. In this procedure, doctors widen the narrowed renal artery and place a device (stent) inside your blood vessel that holds the walls of the vessel open and allows for better blood flow.
2. Renal artery bypass surgery.

What would happens if the renal artery is blocked?

Obstructions (blockages) in the renal arteries, known as renal artery stenoses, can cause poorly controlled high blood pressure, congestive heart failure, and kidney failure.

What are the symptoms of renal artery stenosis?

Symptoms of renal artery stenosis

• continued high blood pressure (hypertension) despite taking medications to help lower it.
• decreased kidney function.
• fluid retention.
• edema (swelling), especially in your ankles and feet.
• decreased or abnormal kidney function.
• an increase of proteins in your urine.

How do they fix a blocked kidney?

Your doctor (urologist) may recommend: A ureteral stent, a hollow tube inserted inside the ureter to keep it open. Percutaneous nephrostomy, during which your doctor inserts a tube through your back to drain the kidney directly.

How many arteries go to each kidney?

You have two renal arteries, one for each kidney. The right renal artery connects to the right kidney. The left renal artery connects to the left kidney.

When do you Stent a renal artery?

Renal artery stenting may be necessary if your cardiologist confirms that a significant blockage is present in one or both of your renal arteries. The procedure is usually done to protect your kidney from further damage due to loss of blood supply.

How is a stent put in renal artery?

A renal artery angioplasty and stent is done to treat a narrowed renal artery. Using X-rays as a guide, a small plastic tube is put into the narrowed artery. A special balloon on the tube is blown up to open the narrowed part of the artery. An expandable tube called a stent is then put in to keep the artery open.

How long do renal artery stents last?

Renal artery stenting has a 56\% five-year patency, a 99\% 30-day survival, a 40\% rate of complications, and a 65\% five-year dialysis-free survival.

What is the best test for renal artery stenosis?

Doppler ultrasound is a test that uses sound waves to produce images of the body. If your doctor suspects you have renal artery stenosis, he or she may order a Doppler ultrasound to view blood flow in the renal arteries. The test allows doctors to assess plaque buildup and identify narrowing of the arteries.

Where is renal artery located?

Your kidneys sit in the back of your abdomen (belly), just above your waist. Each renal artery is about 1½ to 2 inches (4 to 6 centimeters) long. The renal arteries start at the abdominal aorta. This branch of the aorta, your heart’s main blood vessel, feeds vessels in your abdomen.