Kidney Interventions
Minimally invasive, image-guided procedures for a faster recovery
If you have a kidney problem, you might be able to have a minimally invasive interventional procedure instead of surgery.
An interventional radiologist will take images in advance to guide them in the procedure, providing a faster procedure and faster recovery time.
Interventional procedures for kidney problems include:
Dialysis Access
Your doctor will keep the arteriovenous (AV) grafts and fistulae needed to make sure your hemodialysis is working properly, including opening them when they’re clotted. Your doctor may use balloon angioplasty, stenting and thrombectomy.
Kidney Biopsy
During kidney biopsy, your doctor takes a small portion of your kidney tissue with a needle to examine.
Nephrostomy Tubes & Ureteral Stents
Ureters (the tubes that carry urine from your kidneys to your bladder) can become blocked by kidney stones, tumors and infection. Your doctor can place a nephrostomy tube or ureteral stent in your blocked ureter.
Kidney Artery Stents
If you have an artery that is narrowed due to renal vascular hypertension caused by high blood pressure, a kidney artery stent may help. During the procedure, your doctor will open the narrowed artery by using a catheter (thin hollow tube) to insert and inflate a tiny balloon.
What to Expect with Minimally Invasive Kidney Procedures
Interventional procedures for kidney problems include:
Dialysis Access
Your doctor will keep the arteriovenous (AV) grafts and fistulae needed to make sure your hemodialysis is working properly, including opening them when they’re clotted. Your doctor may use balloon angioplasty, stenting and thrombectomy.
Kidney Biopsy
During kidney biopsy, your doctor takes a small portion of your kidney tissue with a needle to examine.
Nephrostomy Tubes & Ureteral Stents
Ureters (the tubes that carry urine from your kidneys to your bladder) can become blocked by kidney stones, tumors and infection. Your doctor can place a nephrostomy tube or ureteral stent in your blocked ureter.
Kidney Artery Stents
If you have an artery that is narrowed due to renal vascular hypertension caused by high blood pressure, a kidney artery stent may help. During the procedure, your doctor will open the narrowed artery by using a catheter (thin hollow tube) to insert and inflate a tiny balloon.