Recanalization and stenting of total occlusions of the renal arteries for blood pressure control in resistant to treatment hypertension.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether percutaneous recanalization and stenting of totally occluded renal arteries is feasible and might be justified as effective in reducing the blood pressure (BP) in some patients with preserved collateral renal flow. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Seven consecutive patients (3 women, 4 men) at average age of 42.8 years (range, 15-67 years) with resistant hypertension, high renin activity, renal artery occlusion and preserved subsegmental flow were included. RESULTS: Endovascular recanalization was successful in 6 of 7 attempted cases. One month after the procedure the 24-h ABPM in the successfully recanalized renal CTO patients showed impressive decrease in the BP average of 138.5/81.7 mm Hg compared to 167.1/95.1 mm Hg before the procedure. Significant decrease in the drug medication was achieved. During the 6-month follow-up, two of the patients had in-stent restenosis- both successfully treated with endovascular reintervention. Secondary patency was 100% for 18 months thereafter and the BP control was excellent without medication increase. CONCLUSIONS: The recanalization of total renal artery occlusions resulted feasible and safe in the described group of patients with resistant hypertension and high plasma rennin activity. The renal artery recanalization had a positive effect on lowering the plasma renin activity and BP control.