Creatinine is a waste product that is in your blood as a result of energy-producing processes in your muscles. Normally, the kidneys filter creatinine from the blood and it leaves the body in the urine. Laboratory testing to determine levels of creatinine in the blood or the urine allows your doctor to determine how well your kidneys are functioning with respect to the filtration of waste.
Catheter-based stenting refers to a technique where a balloon catheter is advanced through a blood vessel, typically in the groin or arm, to an area of blood vessel narrowing. The catheter is used to insert a stent ( a small mesh tube) that acts to support the inside of the blood vessel. Once in place, the balloon is inflated and the stent expands to the size of the blood vessel to hold it open, and remains in place permanently in an attempt to improve blood flow.
Catheter-based angioplasty refers to a technique where a catheter is advanced through a blood vessel, typically in the groin or arm, to an area of blood vessel narrowing. The tip of the catheter has a tiny balloon on the end that is inflated to dilate the area of narrowing in an attempt to improve blood flow.
Catheter-based angiography refers to a technique that uses a catheter, x-ray based guidance, and an injection of contrast material to evaluate blood vessels for abnormalities.