The same techniques that are used in the heart arteries to help keep them open can be used in the arteries that go to the kidneys and arms. The circulatory system is made up of arteries that take blood to the cells, and veins that return blood to the heart. The arteries can become narrowed over time, causing decreased blood flow to the tissues they feed. In the heart, this can lead to a heart attack. In the brain, this can lead to a brain attack, or stroke. In the kidneys, it can lead to kidney insufficiency or failure. In the arms and legs, it can lead to sores, pain or tingling, due to decreased blood flow. All of the problems can be treated similarly, using angioplasty and stenting techniques.
Treatment of the kidney arteries can be done with a balloon to help open the artery. This can restore blood flow to the kidneys, and help them to function better. Treatment of blockages in the arms and shoulders can also be done with a balloon.
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