Transcatheter embolisation

In urology, transcatheter embolisation is used on the following indications:

To embolise arteriovenous fistulas and arteriovenous malformations in the renal arteries
Stop severe bleeding from the urinary system, for example from the kidney, bladder, or pelvis
Pre- or postoperatively for renal cell carcinoma in very large or highly vascularised tumours
To induce renal infarction and thereby reducing kidney function, in case of severe nephrotic syndrome or in case of end-stage kidney failure and hypertension
To treat a primary varicocoele

Renal artery angioplasty and stenting

Renal artery stenosis refers to a narrowing of a renal artery. It may be bilateral in rare cases. It's most commonly due to atherosclerosis (in elderly) and fibromuscular dysplasia (in young). It may lead to secondary hypertension and chronic kidney disease.

Management

Renal artery stenosis is managed by balloon dilatation and stenting of the stenosis. The interventional radiologist inserts a wire into the femoral artery and leads it to the renal artery. A balloon is inflated at the stenosis, after which a stent is placed.