Experimental fibrous renal artery stenosis dilated by balloon catheter. Long-term results

Fibrous renal artery stenosis was induced by subtotal ligation with chromic catgut. Six weeks following unilateral ligation, transluminal balloon dilatation was performed in 8 pigs. Angiography was performed 8 to 10 weeks after dilatation, and at post-mortem 20 weeks after dilatation. Intra-arterial blood pressure and renal venous renin activity were measured before and at the repeat examination after dilatation and the morphologic changes in the arterial wall were evaluated at microscopy. Restenosis developed in 2 renal arteries, while successful dilatation was achieved in 6 cases.