Stents for Other Arteries
The arteries in the kidneys also can become narrowed. This reduces blood flow to the kidneys, which can affect their ability to control blood pressure. This can cause severe high blood pressure.
The arteries in the arms and legs also can narrow with plaque over time. This narrowing can cause pain and cramping in the affected limbs. If the narrowing is severe, it can completely cut off the blood flow to a limb, which could require surgical treatment.
To relieve these problems, doctors may perform angioplasty on the narrowed kidney, arm, or leg arteries. This procedure often is followed by placing a stent in the treated artery. The stent helps keep the artery fully open.