Non-operative revascularisation of renal artery occlusion by transluminal angioplasty

A modified transluminal angioplasty technique for treatment of renal artery occlusion has been developed. From 1980 to 1985, 16 consecutive patients with 17 complete main renal artery occlusions underwent interventional transfemoral angiography for the purpose of recanalisation. In 12 patients the orifice of the renal artery could be clearly localised, so an attempt was made. Successful revascularisation of the occluded vessel was accomplished in seven patients. In four of these seven, contralateral renal artery stenosis was detected and dilated at the same session. Intact vasculature could be demonstrated distal to the occlusion. In six patients an improvement of renal function was apparent at the end of the dilatation procedure; this was indicated by the appearance of contrast material in the pelvicalyceal system. The mean serum creatinine fell from 4.6 +/- 2.9 to 1.9 +/- 0.4 mg/dl. Radioisotope studies confirmed improvement of renal function in the previously occluded kidney in four of four patients. Three patients had acute oliguric renal failure, which was reversible in two cases following revascularisation. Transluminal angioplasty improved hypertension in all cases. Mean blood pressure fell from 187/110 to 155/88 mmHg. Non-operative renal artery revascularisation can be achieved by transluminal angioplasty techniques and is an alternative to surgery in patients with increased operative risk.