STENTING OF A RENAL-ARTERY STENOSIS ACHIEVES BETTER RELIEF OF THE OBSTRUCTIVE LESION THAN BALLOON ANGIOPLASTY

A balloon-expandable (Palmaz-Schatz(TM)) stainless steel stent was uti lized following balloon angioplasty (PTRA) to determine if the obstruc tive lesion, using quantitative methods (automated measuring the diame ter stenosis, and transstenotic peak systolic and mean pressure gradie nts), was significantly further reduced or abolished. Hemodynamic tran sstenotic gradient and stenoses measurements were made during 21 renal artery stenting procedures; prior and following PTRA, and subsequent to stent deployment. The stent sizes placed in the renal arteries were 5 mm (19%), 6 mm (67%), and 7 mm (14%). The results were as follows: [GRAPHICS] The balloon-expandable (Palmaz-Schatz(TM)) stent significan tly further reduced, and in fact effectively abolished, the obstructiv e renal artery lesion in comparison to balloon angioplasty (PTRA). The stent's effectiveness with regard lesion recurrence, maintenance, and preservation of renal function; cure or improved management of hypert ension; and survival will be determined by careful clinic follow-up. ( C) 1993 Wiley-Liss, Inc.