Objective To determine the effect of percutaneous transluminal renal angioplasty with stent placement (PTRAS) in the treatment of atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis (ARAS). Methods A total of 48 ARAS patients admitted in our department from July 2010 to July 2013 were enrolled in this study. According to the pre-operative estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), they were divided into group A [eGFR＜60ml/(min·1.73m2), n＝20] and group B [eGFR≥60ml/(min·1.73m2), n＝28], and all underwent PTRAS. Results There were 52 stents placed in the 48 ARAS patients. In 24 months of follow-up, their systolic and diastolic blood pressure were significantly reduced after operation (P＜0.05). The patients of group A had their eGFR obviously increased when compared with the rate before surgery (P＜0.05). Conclusion PTRAS is a safe and effective procedure for ARAS patients. It can effectively reduce blood pressure, and even improve the renal function for those whose renal function has already been mildly or moderately impaired.