Ischemic nephropathy as an indication for renal artery reconstruction in renovascular hypertension.

The utility of renal revascularization to control hypertension secondary to renal artery occlusive disease is widely recognized. However, revascularization for purposes of renal salvage, although performed successfully in many instances, is a more difficult issue, owing to the higher morbidity and mortality rates associated with operative intervention in an older patient population with significant comorbid conditions. It is therefore imperative to appropriately select patients who may benefit from revascularization, and the aim of our discussion is to aid in this selection process.