A renal angiogram is a radiographic or X-ray study of blood vessels that supply the kidney. Radiographs or X-rays are taken after contrast dye is injected into a catheter (a minute tube) that has been placed into your kidney’s blood vessels to identify any blockage, narrowing, or further abnormalities affecting the blood supply to the kidneys. If a narrowing is indeed found, then you may be a candidate for angioplasty (arterial repair using a balloon).
When is a renal angiogram procedure indicated ?
Renal angiography (X-ray of the arteries supplying blood to the kidneys) is performed for patients with elevated blood pressure or impaired kidney function thought to be caused by a blockage of the arteries connected to the kidneys. Renal angiography is also done for young patients with elevated blood pressure, for patients who are on multiple blood pressure medications or have increased side effects of blood pressure medications (antihypertensives).
How does renal angiogram procedure work ?
Angiography starts with putting a long, slim tube (called a catheter) into a blood vessel located in the groin. During catheter placement, you will be given a local anesthetic at the groin site. You will also be given a sedative through your IV line to help you feel as comfortable as possible. Contrast (or radiopaque X-ray dye) is then sent into your blood vessel. You may feel a warm to hot flush spreading all over your body when the contrast dye goes in. X-rays are then taken of the blood flow through your kidneys while the contrast dye moves through your blood vessels. These X-rays will show exactly where an artery is blocked, narrowed, leaking, or enlarged. If an angioplasty intervention can be done to repair the artery, that procedure can be combined at this point. It is common to feel pressure or even pain at the site that is being worked on. If an angioplasty is done, X-rays will be taken again to show the change in the blood flow and if it is repaired.
What are possible risks of renal angiogram procedure ?
The risks include the following.
- An allergy to the contrast dye, which may cause rashes, blood pressure drop, swelling of the skin, or even unconsciousness.
- Minor discomfort if the groin is not numbed
- A kidney problem that is worsened by the contrast
- A blood clot that forms around the insertion of catheter and blocks your blood vessel
- Groin arterial injury due to catheter, causing either a bleeding or a blockage of blood flow to
the leg.
How to find nephrologists for renal angiogram procedure ?
Now you can find nephrologists for renal angiogram procedure from different hospitals and destinations on a single platform, Hinfoways. You can avail opinions from multiple nephrologists, get cost estimates for renal angiogram procedure from different heart hospitals, compare things and then choose a nephrologist for renal angiogram procedure.
Find a nephrologist for renal angiogram procedure on Hinfoways. Make an informed choice.
Disclaimer: The content provided here is meant for general informational purposes only and hence SHOULD NOT be relied upon as a substitute for sound professional medical advice, care or evaluation by a qualified doctor/physician or other relevantly qualified healthcare provider.
