The same catheter techniques used in the heart apply to arteries elsewhere in the body. As in the coronary circulation, the discipline lies in establishing that the narrowing found is actually causing the problem being treated.
Renal artery intervention
Narrowing of a kidney artery can contribute to difficult-to-control hypertension and declining kidney function. Intervention is reserved for carefully selected cases — randomised trials have shown that routinely stenting renal artery narrowing does not improve blood pressure or kidney outcomes compared with good medical therapy, so the finding alone is not an indication.
Carotid artery disease
Narrowing of the carotid artery raises stroke risk. The decision between stenting, surgery and medical therapy depends on whether the narrowing has already caused symptoms, its severity, the patient’s age and surgical risk. Modern medical therapy has improved markedly, which has narrowed the group in whom intervention on an asymptomatic narrowing is justified.
Limb and venous intervention
Peripheral angioplasty is used for leg artery disease causing limiting claudication or threatening tissue loss. Venous interventions address obstruction and thrombosis. Coil embolisation closes abnormal vessels and certain vascular malformations.
Written and medically reviewed by Dr. Gurbir Singh Gill — Interventional Cardiologist & Diabetologist, Oxford Hospital.
Last reviewed: 1 September 2026