About Peripheral & Renal Angioplasty
Peripheral angioplasty opens narrowed arteries outside the heart, most often in the legs, while renal angioplasty treats narrowing of the arteries supplying the kidneys. Both use a balloon and, when needed, a stent delivered through a catheter.
These procedures can relieve leg pain on walking, help non-healing foot wounds heal, and improve blood pressure control in selected patients with renal artery stenosis.
Also known as: PAD angioplasty, leg artery stenting, renal artery stenting
Who is it recommended for?
Your doctor may recommend this if you have:
- Leg pain or cramps on walking (claudication)
- Non-healing wounds or ulcers on the feet due to poor circulation
- Peripheral arterial disease in people with diabetes or who smoke
- Renal artery stenosis with difficult-to-control blood pressure or declining kidney function
How is it done at AKG Hospital?
- Imaging Doppler study, CT angiography or catheter angiography maps the blocked segment.
- Access A catheter is inserted through the groin or arm artery under local anaesthesia.
- Balloon & stent The narrowed artery is widened with a balloon, and a stent is placed when required.
- Completion Final images confirm improved flow and the access site is closed.
How to prepare
- Bring Doppler or CT angiography reports
- Fasting as advised
- Kidney function tests before contrast use
- Adjustment of diabetes and blood-thinning medicines
Recovery & aftercare
Most patients go home within 1–2 days. Regular walking, stopping smoking, foot care and control of diabetes, BP and cholesterol help keep the artery open. Long-term antiplatelet medicines are usually prescribed.
Benefits
- Improves walking distance and leg pain
- Promotes healing of foot ulcers and may help avoid amputation
- Can improve blood pressure control in renal artery stenosis
- Minimally invasive
Risks & when to seek help
Possible risks include bleeding, artery injury, re-narrowing and contrast-related kidney effects. The team will monitor kidney function, especially in people with diabetes or kidney disease.
Frequently asked questions
Is peripheral angioplasty useful for diabetic foot?
Yes, when poor blood flow is the cause. Restoring circulation helps wounds heal alongside proper wound care.
Will my blood pressure become normal after renal angioplasty?
It may improve in selected patients, but many still need medicines. Your doctor will explain the expected benefit.
This page gives general information to help you understand Peripheral & Renal Angioplasty. It does not replace a consultation — your doctor will advise what is right for you.
