RENAL  ANGIOGRAPHY

Angiography is the use of an x-ray to look at arteries in order to detect blockage or narrowing of the vessels. In many cases, the interventional radiologist can treat the blockages such as those occurring in the arteries of the kidney by inserting a small stent which inflates and opens the vessel. This procedure is called angioplasty.

For diagnosis and treatment of renal (kidney) vascular hypertension and renal insufficiency, COČ angiography is available to minimize contrast load in patients with preexisting renal insufficiency.

Other names
Renal Arteriography.

Purpose
To examine the renal blood vessels (which supply blood to the kidneys) for signs of blockage or abnormality

The selective angiography of the left renal artery verifies a significant stenosis of the main renal artery (arrow).

How it works
A contrast dye injected via a catheter threaded into the blood vessels of the kidneys makes them visible on a x-ray, allowing detection of any abnormalities affecting the blood supply to the kidneys.

Preparation
Clear liquids for 12 hours before the procedure.  You may take your medicines.

Test procedure

  • Local anesthesia is injected into your skin near an artery in your arm or leg.

  • When the site is numbed, a catheter is inserted into the artery and threaded up through the aorta and into the renal artery.

  • Dye is injected through the catheter, and a series of X-rays is taken. During the X-rays, you must remain absolutely still.

After the test

  • The catheter is removed, and pressure is applied to the catheter site to stop any bleeding.

  • You will go to a recovery room for a short while so your vital signs can be checked. You may receive pain medication if the catheter insertion site is sore.

  • You should restrict your activities and remain relatively quiet during the next 24 hours, after which you can resume normal activities.

  • You must check the incision and report any excessive bleeding, soreness, or swelling to your doctor.

Advantages - It provides the highest-resolution image of the renal blood vessels of any test available.

Disadvantages

  • It's invasive.

  • It involves a radiopaque contrast material and radiation.

  • It may dislodge plaque lining the arteries of patients with atherosclerosis; the plaque can travel in the bloodstream and cause a blockage (embolus) elsewhere.

The next step
If the angiography reveals a blocked artery, balloon angioplasty may be necessary to open up the artery. The angioplasty may be performed at the same time or at a later date.

Q. Where is it done?
A. Hospital radiology suite at Greenville Memorial Hospital.

Q. Who does it?
A. A doctor known as an interventional radiologist.

Q. How long does it take?
A. Procedure time is 1-2 hours. Recovery time is usually 4 hours.

Q. Is there any discomfort?
A. Minor discomfort from injection, line insertion, or remaining still in a cool room for a prolonged period. Possible flush, burning sensation, or slight nausea during dye injection.

Q. When will the results be ready?
A. The same day.

Q. Are there any risks or complications?
A. Bleeding and clotting at the line-insertion site, possible internal bleeding outside the renal artery, blood clots, kidney failure, or loss of kidney function. Cholesterol plaques can be dislodged from the walls of blood vessels, possibly causing a blockage.

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