Renal ablation with the Gianturco stainless steel coil for control of massive proteinuria.

We describe a patient with membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis, renal failure, hypoalbuminemia and massive proteinuria. Attempts to reduce the protein loss with corticosteroids, indomethacin and mercurial diuretics were unsuccessful. Renal artery occlusion via Gianturco stainless steel coils was accomplished with the sole major complication of an ileus, probably caused by narcotics given for analgesia. The coils provide a convenient means of terminating renal function without resort to nephrectomy.