Interventional Nephrology

What is Interventional Nephrology ?

Interventional Nephrology is a specialized branch of nephrology that focuses on performing minimally invasive procedures to diagnose, treat, and manage kidney-related conditions effectively. Unlike traditional nephrology, which primarily relies on medical management, interventional nephrology involves the use of advanced imaging-guided techniques and catheter-based procedures to improve vascular access for dialysis, treat kidney blockages, and manage complications related to chronic kidney disease (CKD) or dialysis.

Symptoms Indicating the Need for Interventional Nephrology

Patients may require interventional nephrology services if they experience:

Difficulty in dialysis due to blocked or narrowed blood vessels
Frequent catheter-related infections
Swelling of arms or legs due to fistula blockage
Poor functioning of dialysis access
Signs of fluid overload such as breathlessness or swelling
Reduced urine output indicating obstructed urinary flow
High creatinine levels needing urgent dialysis initiation
Symptoms of kidney stones such as flank pain, hematuria, or recurrent UTIs

Procedures and Treatments in Interventional Nephrology

Interventional nephrologists perform a wide range of procedures, including:

Dialysis Catheter Placement
Insertion of temporary or permanent dialysis catheters for immediate haemodialysis initiation.
Fistulography and Angioplasty
Imaging of arteriovenous (AV) fistula or graft to assess blockages and balloon angioplasty to open narrowed segments.
Thrombectomy
Removal of clots from AV fistulas or grafts to restore blood flow for dialysis.
Peritoneal Dialysis Catheter Insertion
Placement of peritoneal dialysis catheters for patients opting for home-based dialysis.
Kidney Biopsy
Ultrasound-guided percutaneous kidney biopsy for diagnosis of various kidney diseases.
Insertion of Tunneled Catheters
Placement of long-term tunneled dialysis catheters for patients awaiting fistula maturation.
Endovascular Stenting
Placement of stents in narrowed central veins to improve dialysis access flow.
Ultrasound-Guided Procedures
For vascular access evaluation and intervention planning.

Prevention and Care

While some conditions require interventional procedures, preventive measures help reduce their necessity:

Early detection of CKD and timely nephrology consultation
Regular monitoring of dialysis access to prevent blockages
Maintaining hydration to prevent stone formation
Infection control practices for dialysis catheters
Healthy lifestyle including low-sodium diet, blood pressure and diabetes control

Benefits of Interventional Nephrology

Minimally invasive procedures with faster recovery
Better dialysis outcomes by maintaining vascular access patency
Reduced hospital admissions for access-related issues
Enhanced quality of life for dialysis patients
Improved diagnostic accuracy with real-time imaging guidance
Cost-effective management by avoiding major surgeries
Immediate treatment of access complications, reducing dialysis interruption

Types of Interventional Nephrology Procedures

Interventional nephrology includes:

Vascular access procedures: fistulograms, angioplasty, stenting, thrombectomy
Dialysis catheter procedures: placement, exchange, and removal
Kidney diagnostic procedures: percutaneous biopsy
Endovascular interventions: for central vein stenosis
Peritoneal dialysis procedures: catheter insertion and management

Interventional Nephrology is revolutionising kidney care by integrating advanced procedures within nephrology practice, leading to timely interventions, reduced dependency on surgical specialties, and improved patient outcomes. If you or your loved one has chronic kidney disease or dialysis-related concerns, consult our interventional nephrology team for comprehensive, minimally invasive solutions to enhance kidney health and quality of life.