Safe Angioplasty for Patients with Kidney Disease (CKD)

Safe Angioplasty for Patients with Kidney Disease

At Dr. Ashish Agarwal’s Cardiology Practice, innovation is guided by one clear priority—patient safety without compromising outcomes.

"A recent angioplasty case highlights how advanced techniques can significantly reduce risks, especially in patients with compromised kidney function."

Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) often face higher risks during coronary angiography and angioplasty due to the use of contrast dye, which can worsen kidney function. Understanding this concern, we offer advanced Minimal-Contrast and IVUS-Guided Angioplasty, designed specifically to protect the kidneys while ensuring optimal heart care.

A Real Concern, Addressed with Advanced Technology

In this case, the patient’s family was understandably apprehensive as the baseline creatinine was 1.5 mg/dL, indicating reduced kidney reserve. Using new-generation imaging techniques, the procedure was performed with utmost precision and safety. The patient showed confidence in these advanced methods and consented to proceed.

Remarkably, the entire angioplasty was completed using only 5 ml of contrast, significantly reducing the risk to kidney function.

What Is Minimal-Contrast PCI?

Minimal-contrast PCI (Percutaneous Coronary Intervention) is a modern coronary intervention technique where the smallest possible amount of iodinated contrast dye is used—typically ≤20 ml, and often less then 10 ml in CKD patients—without compromising procedural success or safety.

This approach relies heavily on intravascular imaging such as IVUS, allowing accurate assessment of:

• Vessel size
• Plaque burden
• Stent placement and expansion
• all while minimizing or avoiding repeated contrast injections.

Why This Matters for CKD Patients

Patients with moderate to severe chronic kidney disease face higher risks during conventional angioplasty due to contrast exposure. Minimal-contrast PCI is especially beneficial for such individuals because it:

• Reduces the risk of contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN)
• Allows safe angioplasty even in high-risk kidney patients
• Preserves existing kidney function
• Enables life-saving heart procedures that were previously considered risky

Expertise That Inspires Confidence

Performing minimal-contrast angioplasty requires deep expertise, meticulous planning, and advanced intravascular imaging techniques. Under the leadership of Dr. Ashish Agarwal, patients benefit from:

• Evidence-based decision-making
• Adoption of the latest interventional cardiology techniques
• Transparent communication with patients and families
• A strong focus on long-term heart and kidney health

By combining clinical expertise with cutting-edge technology, we ensure that even high-risk patients receive safe, precise, and kidney-protective cardiac care.