The role of embolic protection in renal artery stenting

Atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis (RAS) is increasingly recognized as a cause of severe secondary hypertension, renal dysfunction and end-stage renal failure. Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty with or without stenting of the renal artery has become the preferred mode of revascularization for RAS and has demonstrated beneficial effects with regards to improving control of hypertension and renal function in selected patients. Distal embolization of atherosclerotic debris during renal angioplasty and stenting is among the most feared complication of renal artery intervention. This paper aims to review the role of embolic protection devices in renal artery stenting for atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis.