Endovascular stents for renal artery revascularization.

Revascularization cures or attenuates the clinical manifestations of renal artery stenosis (hypertension, ischemic nephropathy, pulmonary edema, angina, and congestive heart failure). Traditional approaches have been sub-optimal due to low rates of success and long-term patency after angioplasty, and to relatively high rates of perioperative morbidity and mortality. Endovascular stent placement is an alternative interventional method for renal artery revascularization. Technical success rates are excellent, and the impact on clinical outcomes (blood pressure, renal function, and cardiac complications) is promising.