Percutaneous Transluminal Renal Artery Stenting Research Articles

Letter to the Editor Regarding “Natural History of Intracranial Arachnoid Cysts”

This study aims to observe and analyze the clinical efficacy of interventional therapy for patients with Takayasu arteritis (TA) experiencing renovascular hypertension (RH).Eight TA patients with RH underwent percutaneous transluminal renal artery stenting (PTRAS). Patients were followed up 1, 6, 12, and 24 months postoperatively for levels of blood pressure, number of antihypertensive drugs being taken, levels of serum creatinine, and the presence of renal artery restenosis.All 8 patients were successfully followed up 1, 6, and 12 months postoperatively, but 1 was lost to follow-up at 24 months. All patients had significantly lower average blood pressure levels compared with those at baseline (P < 0.05); treatment efficacy rates (recovery or improvement) at 1, 6, 12, and 24 months were 94%, 90%, 80%, and 80%, respectively. The average number of antihypertensive drugs being taken was 3.5 at baseline, 1.0 at 1 month, 0.5 at 6 months, 1.0 at 12 months, and 1.5 at 24 months. Serum creatinine levels during the follow-up period were not significantly different from those at the baseline. No patient developed renal artery restenosis during the follow-up period.PTRAS is a safe and effective treatment for TA-associated RH, with a high technical success rate and a low complication rate. This interventional therapy can effectively control TA-related hypertension and can also preserve and even improve kidney function.

Correlation of renal cortical blood perfusion and BP response after renal artery stenting.

BackgroundThis study aimed to observe the correlation between renal cortical blood perfusion (CBP) parameters and BP response in patients with severe renal artery stenosis (RAS) who underwent stenting.MethodsThis was a single-center retrospective cohort study. A total of 164 patients with unilateral severe RAS after successful percutaneous transluminal renal artery stenting in Beijing Hospital from October 2017 to December 2020 were included. According to the results of BP evaluated at 12 months, all patients were divided into the BP response group (n = 98) and BP nonresponse group (n = 66). The baseline clinical and imaging characteristics and follow-up data about 24 h ABPM and CBP were recorded and analyzed. Pearson correlation analysis was used to evaluate the relationship between CBP parameters and 24 h average SBP. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the risk factors for BP response.ResultsAmong 164 patients with severe RAS, there were 100 males (61.0%), aged 37–75 years, with an average of 56.8 ± 18.4 years, and average artery stenosis of 84.0 ± 12.5%. The BP nonresponse patients had a longer duration of hypertension, more current smoking subjects and diabetic patients, lower eGFR, increased number of hypertensive agents, and rate of insulin compared with the BP response group (P < 0.05). After PTRAS, patients in the BP response group were associated with significantly lower BP and improved CPB, characterized by increased levels of maximum intensity (IMAX), area under ascending curve (AUC1), area under the descending curve (AUC2), shortened rising time (RT), mean transit time (mTT), and prolonged time to peak intensity (TTP; P < 0.05). However, the BP nonresponse group was only associated with significantly reduced RT (P < 0.05) compared with baseline data. During an average follow-up of 11.5 ± 1.7 months, the BP response group was associated with significantly lower levels of SBP, DBP, 24 h average SBP, and 24 h average DBP compared with the nonresponse group (P < 0.05). Pearson correlation analysis showed that the the pre-operative CBP parameters, including IMAX (r = 0.317), RT (r = 0.249), AUC1 (r = 0.614), AUC2 (r = 0.558), and postoperative CBP parameters, including RT (r = 0.283), AUC1 (r = 0.659), and AUC2 (r = 0.674) were significantly positively correlated with the 24 h average SBP, while the postoperative TTP (r = −0.413) and mTT (r = −0.472) were negatively correlated with 24 h average SBP (P < 0.05). Multivariate Logistic regression analysis found that diabetes (OR = 1.294), NT-proBNP (OR = 1.395), number of antihypertensive agents (OR = 2.135), pre-operation IMAX (OR = 1.534), post-operation AUC2 (OR = 2.417), and baseline dDBP (OR = 2.038) were related factors for BP response (all P < 0.05).ConclusionPatients in the BP nonresponse group often have diabetes, a longer duration of hypertension, significantly reduced glomerular filtration rate, and heavier renal artery stenosis. CBP parameters are closely related to 24 h average SBP, and pre-operation IMAX and post-operation AUC2 are markers for a positive BP response.

Dynamic changes of renal cortical blood perfusion before and after percutaneous transluminal renal artery stenting in patients with severe atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis.

Background:This study aims to observe the dynamic changes of renal artery (RA) disease and cortical blood perfusion (CBP) evaluated by contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) after percutaneous transluminal renal artery stenting (PTRAS) in patients with severe atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis (ARAS) and to analyze the relationship between CBP and prognosis.Methods:This was a single-center retrospective cohort study. A total of 98 patients with unilateral severe ARAS after successful PTRAS in Beijing Hospital from September 2017 to September 2020 were included. According to renal glomerular filtration rate (GFR) detected by radionuclide imaging at 12 months after PTRAS, all patients were divided into the poor prognosis group (n = 21, GFR decreased by ≥20% compared with baseline) and the control group (n = 77, GFR decreased by < 20% or improved compared with baseline). Renal artery stenosis was diagnosed by digital subtraction angiography, and renal CBP was evaluated by CEUS using TomTec Imaging Systems (Germany) before PTRAS, at 6 months and 12 months after discharge. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve with area under the curve (AUC) was used to analyze the predictive value of CBP parameters, including area under ascending curve (AUC1), area under the descending curve (AUC2), rising time (RT), time to peak intensity (TTP), maximum intensity (IMAX), and mean transit time (MTT) for poor prognosis.Results:Among the 98 patients, there were 52 males (53.1%), aged 55–74 years old, with an average age of 62.1 ± 8.7 years, and an average artery stenosis of 82.3 ± 12.9%. The poor prognosis group was associated with significantly increased incidence of diabetes (76.2% vs. 41.6%), and lower levels of GFR of the stenotic kidney (21.8 mL/min vs. 25.0 mL/min) and total GFR (57.6 mL/min vs. 63.7 mL/min) (all P < 0.05), compared with the control group (P < 0.05). In addition, the rate of RA restenosis was significantly higher in the poor prognosis group than in the control group (9.5% vs. 0, χ2 = 9.462, P = 0.002). Compared with the control group, the poor prognosis group was associated with significantly decreased baseline AUC1 and AUC2, and extended duration of TTP and MTT (P < 0.05). At 6 months and 12 months of follow-up, patients in the control group were associated with markedly increased AUC1, AUC2, and IMAX, and shorter duration of RT and MTT (P < 0.05). The ROC curve showed that the predictive values of AUC1, AUC2, RT, TTP, IMAX, and MTT for poor prognosis were 0.812 (95% CI: 0.698–0.945), 0.752 (95% CI: 0.591–0.957), 0.724 (95% CI: 0.569–0.961), 0.720 (95% CI: 0.522–0.993), 0.693 (95% CI: 0.507–0.947), and 0.786 (95% CI: 0.631–0.979), respectively.Conclusions:Preoperative renal CBP in severe ARAS patients with poor prognosis is significantly reduced, and does not show significant improvement after stent treatment over the first year of follow-up. The parameter AUC1 may be a good predictor for renal dysfunction after PTRAS in severe ARAS patients.Trial Registration:ChiCTR.org.cn, ChiCTR1800016252.

Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound Assessment of Renal Parenchymal Perfusion in Patients with Atherosclerotic Renal Artery Stenosis to Predict Renal Function Improvement After Revascularization.

BackgroundIdentifying patients with atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis (ARAS) who will be improved in renal function after percutaneous transluminal renal artery stenting (PTRAS) is crucial since most patients show no worthwhile benefit of PTRAS. Although the assessment of renal parenchymal perfusion is useful for the identification, few studies predict the renal functional improvement by evaluating the characteristics of renal perfusion.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to assess the renal parenchymal perfusion in ARAS patients with contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) and predict the benefits of renal function after PTRAS utilizing time-intensity curve (TIC) parameters.MethodsThirty-eight kidneys in 30 ARAS patients received PTRAS in this study. They were divided into moderate stenosis group (n=25) and severe stenosis group (n=13) and mild dysfunction group (n=14) and moderate dysfunction group (n=24) according to the degree of renal stenosis and radioisotope glomerular filtration rate (rGFR). The baseline assessment of renal function and renal parenchymal perfusion were performed for all patients. rGFR was repeated to evaluate the renal outcome at 4 months after PTRAS. The outcome of PTRAS was classified as improved, stable, or deteriorated compared to the baseline. Time-intensity curve (TIC) parameters obtained from CEUS were analyzed to evaluate the predictive accuracy.ResultsTIC parameters (AUC and PI) were positively correlated with renal function (r=0.617, 0.663; P<0.05) but weakly and negatively correlated with the stenosis (r=−0.360, −0.435; P<0.05). Baseline rGFR was not accurate in predicting improved renal function after PTRAS (0.670). The accuracy of the combined prediction model of baseline AUC and PI (0.889) was higher than the individual indicators (baseline AUC: 0.855 and PI: 0.782).ConclusionCEUS could accurately assess renal parenchymal perfusion and identify ARAS patients with potential benefit after PTRAS. The combination of TIC parameters (AUC and PI) is valuable in the prediction of improved renal function after PTRAS.

Minimally invasive percutaneous transluminal renal artery stenting.

Minimally invasive percutaneous transluminal renal artery stenting (MIPTRS) is a method that prevents complications to the greatest extent possible. The present study aimed to investigate the safety and efficacy of MIPTRS performed in cases of renal artery stenosis with an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR)≤45mL/min. Cases of patients who underwent MIPTRS at our hospital between December 2010 and June 2015 in whom eGFR was ≤45mL/min were retrospectively analysed. MIPTRS was performed as follows: 1) using a 4Fr sheathless guiding catheter in a trans-radial approach and 2) using a guiding catheter non-touch technique. The amount of contrast agent used was maintained at ≤10mL with 3) carbon dioxide enhancement and 4) intravascular ultrasound guide stenting, and 5) a distal protection device was used. MIPTRS was performed in 22 patients (32 lesions). The pre-MIPTRS creatinine level and eGFR were 2.01±0.88mg/dL and 29.2±9.0mL/min/1.73m2, respectively. On postoperative day 2, they were 1.78±0.73mg/dL and 35.1±12.3mL/min/1.73m2; at 1month after the procedure, they were 1.80±0.74mg/dL and 33.3±12.3mL/min/1.73m2. Creatinine level did not change significantly, but eGFR was significantly elevated after versus before the procedure, both 2days later (p<0.01) and 1month later (p<0.05). The results of this study demonstrated the usefulness of MIPTRS for protecting renal function. This method can be safely used in patients with decreased renal function.

Prise en charge de la sténose athéromateuse d’artère rénale en 2016

Endovascular revascularization as treatment of atherosclerotic renal-artery stenosis (aRAS) is controversial since 3 large and multicentric randomised trials (CORAL, ASTRAL, STAR) failed to prove the superiority of percutaneous transluminal renal-artery stenting (PTRAS) over medical treatment only (MT). However, considering the multiple bias of these trials, among which questionable inclusion criterias, these results must be extrapolated in clinical practice with caution. New pathophysiological data have been helping to understand why restoring blood flow does not necessarily lead to kidney function improvement. Today, the diagnostic approach must in one hand confirm the artery stenosis and on the other hand assess its severity and impact on the kidney. Therapeutic options still lie on the American guidelines published in 2006, since no study data can be reasonably used in everyday practice. However, particular sub-groups of patients who could benefit from revascularisation have been identified through recent cohort studies. Further prospective studies are needed in order to confirm the superiority of PTRAS in these populations. Meanwhile, multidisciplinary approach should be promoted, in order to provide the best treatment for each patient.

A case of atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis involving successful withdrawal from hemodialysis after percutaneous transluminal renal artery stenting

A case of atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis involving successful withdrawal from hemodialysis after percutaneous transluminal renal artery stenting

TCTAP A-169 Long-Term Outcomes After Percutaneous Transluminal Renal Artery Stenting for Atherosclerotic Renal Artery Stenosis in the Coronary Drug-Eluting Stent Era: A Japanese Single-Center Retrospective Study

We firstly examined the long-term outcomes after percutaneous transluminal renal angioplasty with stenting (PTRA) for atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis (ARAS) in a Japanese daily practice in the coronary drug-eluting stent (DES) era. This retrospective, non-randomized, single-center study was

Clinical Efficacy of Percutaneous Transluminal Renal Artery Stenting for the Treatment of Renovascular Hypertension Associated with Takayasu Arteritis

This study aims to observe and analyze the clinical efficacy of interventional therapy for patients with Takayasu arteritis (TA) experiencing renovascular hypertension (RH). Eight TA patients with RH underwent percutaneous transluminal renal artery stenting (PTRAS). Patients were followed up 1, 6, 12, and 24months postoperatively for levels of blood pressure, number of antihypertensive drugs being taken, levels of serum creatinine, and the presence of renal artery restenosis. All 8 patients were successfully followed up 1, 6, and 12months postoperatively, but 1 was lost to follow-up at 24months. All patients had significantly lower average blood pressure levels compared with those at baseline (P<0.05); treatment efficacy rates (recovery or improvement) at 1, 6, 12, and 24months were 94%, 90%, 80%, and 80%, respectively. The average number of antihypertensive drugs being taken was 3.5 at baseline, 1.0 at 1month, 0.5 at 6months, 1.0 at 12months, and 1.5 at 24months. Serum creatinine levels during the follow-up period were not significantly different from those at the baseline. No patient developed renal artery restenosis during the follow-up period. PTRAS is a safe and effective treatment for TA-associated RH, with a high technical success rate and a low complication rate. This interventional therapy can effectively control TA-related hypertension and can also preserve and even improve kidney function.

Efficacy of percutaneous transluminal renal artery stenting in patients with renal artery stenosis

Objective To explore the short term efficacy and safety of percutaneous transluminal renal artery stenting in patient with renal artery stenosis.Methods From January 2003 through June 2012,fifty hypertension patients with unilateral or bilateral renal artery stenosis ≥70％ were successfully treated by percutaneous translumminal renal angioplasty with stent (PTRAS).There were 32 males and 18 females with an average age of (51.2 ± 12.3) years ranged from 21 ～78 years.The blood pressure level,dosage of anti-hypertension drugs and serum creatinine (Scr) of patients were documented and analyzed before and after stenting.All patients were clinically followed up for 6 months after stenting.Continuous variables were analyzed by using t-test for comparison among patients.Results The technical success rate was 100％.Of them,16 patients were cured,30 patients improved and 4 patients ineffective.There were significant differences in blood pressure,sCr and dosage of anti-hypertension drugs between post-stenting and prestenting [SBP (145.7 ±11.3) vs.(179.1 ±22.3) mmHg; DBP [(75.1±9.2) vs.(112.5 ±19.2)mmHg],sCr [(138.2 ±20.3) vs.(191.1 ±36.5) μmol/L] (P＜0.01) and the dosage of antihypertension drug was dramatically decreased.And there were no adverse events found during follow-up period.Conclusions The success rate of PTRAS technique was high,and the blood pressure of patients could be effectively controlled by it,being beneficial to renal function. Key words: Hypertension; Renal artery stenosis; Renal angioplasty with stent

Clinical Outcomes and Effectiveness of Renal Artery Stenting in Patients With Critical Atherosclerotic Renal Artery Stenosis: Does it İmprove Blood Pressure Control and Renal Function Assessed by Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate?

Introduction: Atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis (ARAS) is associated with uncontrolled hypertension and chronic renal failure. Aim: To evaluate the influence of gender and presence of chronic renal failure on the outcomes of percutaneous transluminal renal artery stenting (PTRAS) due to atherosclerosis. Material and methods: A total of 28 ARAS patients underwent PTRAS and 36 stents were placed. Basal characteristics, laborato - ry data and blood pressure of patients were recorded. The differences between genders and improvement/deterioration of renal func - tions and blood pressure were analyzed. The predictors of outcomes were determined. Results: Baseline characteristics were similar between men and women. Significant improvement of systolic and diastolic blood pressure control was achieved after PTRAS (153.04 ±17.07 mm Hg vs. 124.75 ±11.40 mm Hg, p = 0.001 and 92.50 ±10.76 mm Hg vs. 77.54 ±8.23 mm Hg, p < 0.001, respectively). Although mean estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and creatinine levels did not significantly improve at the 6-month follow-up visit compared to baseline values, of the 28 patients 13 (46.4%) patients had improve - ment of renal functions. Conclusions: Our results suggest that PTRAS is a safe procedure and may offer blood pressure control but beneficial effects of PTRAS on renal function may be anticipated in a selected group of patients, especially those with a low eGFR.

TCT-522 The impact of statin therapy for atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis after percutaneous transluminal renal artery stenting

Although percutaneous transluminal renal artery stenting (PTRAS) has become popular for treating atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis (ARAS), effect of statin after PTRAS remains uncertain. The aim of this study is to examine the influence of statin after PTRAS. Consecutive 268 patients who were

The Role of Sonography in Renal Artery Stenosis Evaluation and Stent Placement

A literature review has been conducted to demonstrate the role of duplex sonography in evaluating renal artery stenosis (RAS) as a screening method for patients prior to percutaneous transluminal renal artery stent (PTRAS) placement. The review also evaluates the role of ultrasound surveillance following PTRAS and establishes the overall influence of ultrasound on defining stent efficacy for managing hemodynamically significant renovascular disease. Recent studies have narrowed criteria for intervention through duplex sonographic assessment of RAS to better predict patient benefit and response to stent placement. Studies using sonographic parameters evaluating patients for renal artery stenosis, criteria-dependent stent placement, and postintervention follow-up have shown improved patient response, helping ensure effective and appropriate care in RAS management.

Outcomes and effectiveness of bilateral percutaneous transluminal renal artery stenting in patients with critical bilateral renal artery stenosis

The aim of this study was to assess the effects of percutaneous bilateral renal artery stenting in patients with atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis and in-hospital and 4 month outcome of the procedure, focusing on the changes in renal function and blood pressure. Five consecutive patients (mean age: 64.8 ± 9.7 years, 1 women) with bilateral renal artery stenoses underwent percutaneous interventions. We compared blood pressure, number of oral antihypertensive medications, and renal function changes preprocedure and postprocedure at 4 months follow-up. A total of 5 bilateral atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis patients underwent percutaneous transluminal renal angioplasty and 10 stents were placed. Although systolic and diastolic blood pressures were significantly decreased in follow-up period, glomerular filtration rates were not significantly changed as compared with baseline data (p = 0.009, p = 0.008, p = 1.00, respectively). Also, the number of oral antihypertensive medications were significantly decreased at follow-up period (p = 0.03). Bilateral renal artery stenting provides a beneficial outcome such as stabilization of renal functions, significant improvement in blood pressure control and reduction in the number of oral antihypertensive medications at follow-up.

Clinical outcomes and effectiveness of renal artery stenting in patients with critical atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis: does it improve blood pressure control and renal function assessed by estimated glomerular filtration rate?

IntroductionAtherosclerotic renal artery stenosis (ARAS) is associated with uncontrolled hypertension and chronic renal failure.AimTo evaluate the influence of gender and presence of chronic renal failure on the outcomes of percutaneous transluminal renal artery stenting (PTRAS) due to atherosclerosis.Material and methodsA total of 28 ARAS patients underwent PTRAS and 36 stents were placed. Basal characteristics, laboratory data and blood pressure of patients were recorded. The differences between genders and improvement/deterioration of renal functions and blood pressure were analyzed. The predictors of outcomes were determined.ResultsBaseline characteristics were similar between men and women. Significant improvement of systolic and diastolic blood pressure control was achieved after PTRAS (153.04 ±17.07 mm Hg vs. 124.75 ±11.40 mm Hg, p = 0.001 and 92.50 ±10.76 mm Hg vs. 77.54 ±8.23 mm Hg, p < 0.001, respectively). Although mean estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and creatinine levels did not significantly improve at the 6-month follow-up visit compared to baseline values, of the 28 patients 13 (46.4%) patients had improvement of renal functions.ConclusionsOur results suggest that PTRAS is a safe procedure and may offer blood pressure control but beneficial effects of PTRAS on renal function may be anticipated in a selected group of patients, especially those with a low eGFR.

Response of blood pressure after percutaneous transluminal renal artery angioplasty and stenting

To evaluate the short and intermediate term outcome of percutaneous transluminal renal artery angioplasty (PTRA) and stenting particularly on blood pressure (BP) control and renal function and to evaluate predictors of poor BP response after successful PTRA and stenting. We conducted a prospective analysis of all patients who underwent PTRA and stenting in our institute between August 2010 to September 2012. A total number of 86 patients were underwent PTRA and renal stenting. Selective angiography was done to confirm at least 70% angiographic stenosis. The predilatation done except few cases with critical stenosis, direct stenting was done in the rest of cases. All patients received aspirin 325 mg orally, and clopidogrel 300 mg orally within 24 h before the procedure. Heparin was used as the procedural anticoagulant agent. Optimal results with TIMI-III flow obtained in all cases. Following stent placement, aspirin 150 mg orally once daily was continued for a minimum of 12 mo and clopidogrel 75 mg orally once daily for at least 4 wk. The clinical, radiological, electrocardiography, echocardiography and treatment data of all patients were recorded. The BP measurement, serum creatinine and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) were recorded before the procedure and 1 and 6 mo after PTRA. A total of 86 patients were included in the study. The mean age of study population was 55.87 ± 11.85 years old and 67 (77.9%) of patients were male. There was a significant reduction in both systolic and diastolic BP at 1 mo after the procedure: 170.15 ± 20.10 mmHg vs 146.60 ± 17.32 mmHg and 98.38 ± 10.55 mmHg vs 89.88 ± 9.22 mmHg respectively (P = 0.0000). The reduction in BP was constant throughout the follow-up period and was evident 6 mo after the procedure: 144.23 ± 18.19 and 88.26 ± 9.79 mmHg respectively (P = 0.0000). However, no improvement in renal function was observed at any time during the follow-up period. After multivariate analysis, we found male sex, low GFR (< 60 mL/min) and higher baseline mean BP as a poor predictors of successful outcome on BP response after PTRA and stenting. The PTRA and stenting can be considered as an effective therapeutic intervention for improving BP control with minimal effect on renal function. The male sex, higher baseline BP and low GFR are associated with poor BP response after successful PTRA and stenting.

The efficacy of endovascular interventional in severe stenosis of bilateral renal stenosis

Objective To analyze the clinical effect of intravascular intervention for treating the severe stenosis of bilateral renal arteries (BRASS).Methods A total of 40 patients with BRASS admitted in Fuwai Hospital from September 2008 to December 2010 were retrospectively analyzed.These patients,23 males and 17 females,aged from 21 to 76 years with average age of (59.75 ± 17.59) years,with luminal narrowing over 70％ in bilateral renal arteries,met the criteria of BRASS evidenced by angiography of renal arteries,and were subjected to renal artery interventional therapy. The etiological factors included arteriosclerosis (34 cases),Takayasu arteritis (3 cases) and congenital fibromuscular dysplasia (3 cases).After percutaneous endovascular intervention,the therapeutic effects were evaluated by lowering the systemic blood pressure and serum creatinine level in 12-month follow-up in average after operation. The data were analyzed with SPSS 13.0 statistical software.Results Among the 80 reual arteries in 40 patients,18 arteries were treated with percutaneous transluminal balloon angioplasty (PTBA),while the other 62 arteries were treated with percutaneous transluminal renal artery stenting (PTRAS).Mter endovascular intervention,the mean systolic blood pressure decreased from ( 165.0 ± 27.0) mm Hg to ( 135.7 ± 25.3 ) mm Hg on the second day after operation ( P ＜ 0.01 ) ; and the mean diastolic blood pressure decreased from ( 88.9 ±15.1 ) mm Hg to (74.8 ± 13.2) mm Hg on the second day after operation ( P ＜ 0.01 ).Accordingly,the kinds of anti-hypertension drug used decreased from ( 3.1 ± 0.9 ) to ( 2.3 ± 1.2) ( P ＜ 0.01 ).Only one patient died suddenly 3 months after intervention,and one died of acute myocardial infarction 7 months after operation.The other 38 patients were followed up for 12 months.At last,the mean systolic blood pressure of patients decreased from ( 165.0 ±27.0) mm Hg to ( 133.53 ± 15.94) mm Hg and the mean diastolic blood pressure decreased from (88.9 ± 15.1 ) mm Hg to (77.37 ± 13.47 )mm Hg. Of all 38 patients,2 were cured (5.3％),27 were improved (71.1％) and 9 failed to treatment (23.7％).Of all 38 patients,76.4％ got hypertension lowered.Moreover,renal function (Scr) was improved in 2 patients (6.3％ ),steady in 21 patients ( 65.6％ ),declined in 9 patients ( 28.1％ ) resulted in azotemia stage.Of 38 patients,71.9％ patients got overall benefit from endovascular intervention in respect of renal function improved.Conclusions The procedure of PTBA or PTRAS offered a minimally invasive,relatively safe and effective technique for BRASS patients to decrease blood pressure and stabilize renal function. Key words: Bilateral renal artery severe stenosis; Eendovascular interventional treatment; Therapeutic effect

Sirolimus-eluting stent placement for refractory renal artery in-stent restenosis: sustained patency and clinical benefit at 24 months

Renal artery stenosis may cause or exacerbate hypertension and renal failure. Percutaneous transluminal renal artery stent placement, increasingly the first-line therapy for ostial atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis, can be complicated by in-stent restenosis weeks to months after the procedure. There is currently no consensus for the treatment of in-stent restenosis. Sirolimus-eluting stents have been shown to be effective to treat in-stent restenosis in the coronary circulation. We report a case of sustained 24-month patency after repair of recurrent renal artery in-stent restenosis with use of a sirolimus-eluting stent.

RADAR – A ra ndomised, multi-centre, prospective study comparing best medical treatment versus best medical treatment plus renal artery stenting in patients with haemod ynamically relevant atherosclerotic renal ar tery stenosis

BackgroundProspective, international, multi-centre, randomised (1:1) trial to evaluate the clinical impact of percutaneous transluminal renal artery stenting (PTRAS) on the impaired renal function measured by the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in patients with haemodynamically significant atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis.MethodsPatients will be randomised to receive either PTRAS using the Dynamic Renal Stent system plus best medical treatment or best medical treatment. Renal stenting will be performed under angiographic imaging. For patients randomised to best medical treatment the degree of stenosis measured by renal duplex sonography (RDS) will be confirmed by MR angio or multi-slice CT where possible. Best medical treatment will be initiated at randomisation or post procedure (for PTRAS arm only), and adjusted as needed at all visits. Best medical treatment is defined as optimal drug therapy for control of the major risk factors (blood pressure ≤ 125/80 mmHg, LDL cholesterol ≤ 100 mg/dL, HbA1c ≤ 6.5%). Data recordings include serum creatinine values, eGFR, brain natriuretic peptide, patients' medical history and concomitant medication, clinical events, quality of life questionnaire (SF-12v2™), 24 hour ambulatory blood pressure measurement, renal artery duplex ultrasound and echocardiography. Follow-up intervals are at 2, 6, 12 and 36 months following randomisation.The primary endpoint is the difference between treatments in change of eGFR over 12 months. Major secondary endpoints are technical success, change of renal function based on the eGFR slope change between pre-treatment and post-treatment (i.e. improvement, stabilisation, failure), clinical events overall such as renal or cardiac death, stroke, myocardial infarction, hospitalisation for congestive heart failure, progressive renal insufficiency (i.e. need for dialysis), need of target vessel revascularisation or target lesion revascularisation, change in average systolic and diastolic blood pressure, change in left ventricular mass index calculated from echocardiography, difference in the size of kidney (pole to pole length) measured by renal duplex sonography, total number, drug name, drug class, daily dose, regimen and Defined Daily Dose (DDD), of anti-hypertensive drugs, and change in New York Heart Association (NYHA) classification. Approximately 30 centres in Europe and South America will enrol patients. Duration of enrolment is expected to be 12 months resulting in study duration of 48 months.Trial registrationTrial registration number: NCT00640406

Efficacy of protected renal artery primary stenting in the solitary functioning kidney

Significant renal artery stenosis (RAS) in a solitary functioning kidney (SFK) represents one of the most acceptable indications for renal revascularization. Percutaneous transluminal renal artery stenting (PTRAS) is increasingly being used as a first line treatment for renal revascularization, associated with renal function improvement or stabilization in the majority of the patients with solitary kidneys, but also with deterioration in up to 38% of the cases. Atheroembolism during PTRAS has been postulated as a potential cause for this acute renal function worsening. The aim of this study was to report on the feasibility, safety, and early outcomes of PTRAS in a series of patients with SFK using distal embolic protection (DEP). All PTRAS procedures in SFKs performed under DEP between June 2002 and September 2007 were reviewed. Renal function, blood pressure, and the number of anti-hypertensive medications were assessed pre- and post-intervention. Renal function improvement and deterioration were defined as a 20% increase and decrease in serum creatinine, respectively, compared with preoperative values. Primary and primary assisted patency rates were also calculated. Statistical differences between values before and after intervention were determined by the Student t test and statistical significance was taken at P < .05. Protected PTRAS was performed in 14 patients with a SFK (9 men, 6 women, mean age 65.6 +/- 6.8 years). All patients were hypertensive and had varying degrees of azotemia. Mean pre-intervention stenosis degree was 86.8% +/- 7.8%. Immediate technical success was obtained in 100% of the patients. Renal function was cured (7.1%), improved (50%), or stabilized (42.9%) in all 14 (100%) patients after the procedure and no deterioration was noticed in any patient at 6-month follow-up. Pre- and postintervention serum creatinine levels were 3.01 +/- 1.15 mg/dL and 2.16 +/- 0.68 mg/dL, respectively, (P = .02). Hypertension was improved in 6 (42.9%) patients and stabilized in the remaining 8 (57.1%). Primary patency was 100% and 90% at 1 and 3 years, respectively, while primary assisted patency remained 100% for the whole follow-up period (mean, 31.8 +/- 19.4 months). These findings suggest that in patients with a SFK, protected PTRAS represents a safe and effective treatment for halting the progression of renal dysfunction to renal loss and warrants further investigation.