Renovascular Disease (RVD) Treatments
Left untreated, RVD can lead to chronic kidney disease (CKD) or the need for dialysis. At Vegas Vascular Specialists, we offer minimally invasive and surgical treatments to restore circulation, protect kidney function, and improve long-term health.
Renal Artery Angioplasty and Stenting – Minimally Invasive Treatment
Renal artery angioplasty and stenting are catheter-based procedures designed to open blocked kidney arteries and improve blood flow. The procedure starts with inserting a thin, flexible catheter into a blood vessel, typically in the groin.
Real-time X-rays guide the catheter to the affected renal artery. A small balloon is then inflated at the site of the blockage, compressing the plaque buildup and widening the artery. In many cases, a stent (a small mesh tube) is placed in the artery to keep it open, ensuring long-term circulation to the kidneys.
This minimally invasive approach helps reduce high blood pressure caused by poor kidney circulation and may slow the progression of kidney disease. Most patients can return home the same day and resume normal activities shortly after.
- Angioplasty (performed alone): The artery can remain open after balloon inflation without additional structural support.
- Stenting is added when the artery is at risk of re-narrowing or collapsing. It ensures long-term stability and maintains uninterrupted blood flow.
Who It’s For:
- Patients with severe narrowing or blockages of the renal arteries.
- Individuals with high blood pressure who do not respond to medication.
- Patients at risk of kidney failure due to restricted blood flow.
Benefits of Renal Artery Angioplasty & Stenting:
- Minimally invasive: Performed through a small catheter, avoiding large incisions.
- Short recovery time: Most patients can return home the same day.
- Improves kidney function: Restores blood flow to reduce strain on the kidneys.
- Lowers high blood pressure: Helps manage renovascular hypertension by improving circulation.
- Outpatient procedure: Reduces surgical risks compared to open surgery.
Long-Term Management After Renal Artery Angioplasty & Stenting:
Renal artery angioplasty and stenting help restore blood flow, but long-term care is necessary to maintain kidney health and prevent re-narrowing of the artery.
- Routine imaging and follow-ups: Doppler ultrasound, CT angiography (CTA), or MR angiography monitor artery function and detect restenosis.
- Medication management: Patients may need antiplatelet therapy, such as aspirin or clopidogrel, to prevent clot formation and cholesterol-lowering medications to slow plaque buildup.
- Blood pressure control: Managing hypertension reduces stress on the treated artery and prevents further narrowing.
- Lifestyle modifications: A low-sodium, heart-healthy diet, regular exercise, and smoking cessation support long-term kidney and vascular health.
- Monitoring for symptoms: Patients should report persistent high blood pressure, swelling, fatigue, or changes in kidney function, as these could indicate worsening disease.
With ongoing follow-up and proactive vascular care, angioplasty and stenting provide long-term relief, helping preserve kidney function and reduce the need for dialysis.
Renal Artery Bypass – Surgical Treatment for Severe Blockages
Renal artery bypass surgery is a more invasive procedure for patients with blocked kidney arteries or those who are not candidates for angioplasty and stenting.
It involves creating a new pathway for blood flow using either a healthy vein from the patient’s body or a synthetic graft. The bypass is surgically connected above and below the blockage, allowing blood to flow around the diseased section of the artery and restoring circulation to the kidney.
Renal artery bypass is a durable, long-term solution for patients with advanced renovascular disease. It is often performed when kidney function is significantly impaired and non-surgical options are insufficient. While recovery is longer than angioplasty and stenting, this procedure improves long-term kidney circulation.
Who It’s For:
- Patients with severe RVD or completely blocked renal arteries.
- Individuals who did not respond to angioplasty or stenting.
- Patients with worsening kidney function due to restricted blood flow.
Benefits of Renal Artery Bypass:
- Long-term solution: Provides durable results for advanced renal artery disease.
- Restores kidney function: Ensures adequate blood supply to prevent further decline.
- Reduces dialysis dependence: Helps patients with worsening kidney disease maintain kidney function.
- Effective for complete blockages: Best option when minimally invasive treatments are unsuitable.
Long-Term Management After Renal Artery Bypass Surgery:
Renal artery bypass surgery restores blood flow to the kidneys, but ongoing care is essential to maintain graft function and prevent new blockages.
- Routine imaging and follow-ups: CT scans, MR angiography, or Doppler ultrasound are performed regularly to monitor graft integrity and kidney function.
- Graft maintenance: To keep the bypass graft open, patients require lifelong antiplatelet therapy, such as aspirin or clopidogrel,
- Cardiovascular health management: Controlling cholesterol, blood pressure, and diabetes reduces stress on the graft and prevents further vascular disease progression.
- Healthy lifestyle habits: A balanced diet, regular exercise, and smoking cessation improve circulation and support kidney health.
- Monitoring for symptoms: Patients should report worsening kidney function, swelling, or high blood pressure, as these could indicate graft complications or poor circulation.
With routine monitoring and proactive vascular care, renal artery bypass surgery provides a long-lasting solution, helping preserve kidney function and improve overall health.
Why Choose Vegas Vascular Specialists for RVD Treatment?
We offer advanced vascular medicine treatment options for renovascular disease at Vegas Vascular Specialists. We use minimally invasive techniques and surgical expertise to restore kidney circulation and prevent complications. Our team of vascular medicine surgeons tailors each treatment plan to the patient’s condition, ensuring safe, effective, and long-lasting results.
We work closely with nephrologists, primary care doctors, and referring physicians to provide seamless, coordinated care for patients with kidney-related vascular disease.
Request an appointment now or call (702) 565-8346.
To learn more about this condition, visit our Renovascular Disease page.