Renal Angiogram

A renal angiogram is a test used to examine the blood vessels, known as the renal arteries, leading to the kidneys. When a renal artery becomes narrowed or blocked, the kidney becomes starved of its blood supply and oxygen.  This can result in permanent kidney damage, and ultimately kidney failure.

The renal angiogram is performed by inserting a thin catheter through the skin into the femoral artery near the groin.  This catheter is then threaded up to the renal artery.  Contrast medium (dye) is injected that allows the interventional radiologist to visualize the artery and determine if any blockages exist.

If a blockage is found, the interventional radiologist will perform an angioplasty.  In an angioplasty, a second catheter with a balloon in its tip is inserted into the artery.  Once the tip has reached the blockage, the balloon will be inflated and deflated several times causing the plague to be compressed against the wall of the artery.  This procedure opens the artery and restores blood flow to the kidney.  The interventional radiologist may also choose to place a metal coil called a stent in the artery to further aid in keeping the artery open.