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Official Description

Transcatheter renal sympathetic denervation, percutaneous approach including arterial puncture, selective catheter placement(s) renal artery(ies), fluoroscopy, contrast injection(s), intraprocedural roadmapping and radiological supervision and interpretation, including pressure gradient measurements, flush aortogram and diagnostic renal angiography when performed; bilateral

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Common Language Description

Transcatheter renal sympathetic denervation is a minimally invasive procedure aimed at treating conditions such as hypertension, heart failure, renal dysfunction, and sleep apnea, particularly when traditional lifestyle modifications and pharmacological treatments have proven ineffective. The underlying principle of this procedure is based on the understanding that heightened activity of the sympathetic nervous system, originating from the renal plexus, significantly contributes to the development of hypertension. By disrupting the nerve impulses from the renal plexus, this procedure effectively reduces sympathetic nervous system activity, thereby lowering blood pressure. The transcatheter approach allows for the delivery of low-level radiofrequency energy directly through the renal artery wall to target the sympathetic nerves associated with the kidney. This technique begins with the preparation of the skin over the access artery, typically one of the femoral arteries, followed by arterial puncture and the placement of a sheath. Heparin is administered to prevent clotting during the procedure. A guide wire is then navigated from the access artery into the aorta, positioning it appropriately for subsequent imaging and interventions. The procedure includes the use of fluoroscopy and contrast injections to visualize the renal vasculature, ensuring accurate catheter placement and effective treatment delivery. Ultimately, this innovative procedure represents a significant advancement in the management of resistant hypertension and related conditions.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The transcatheter renal sympathetic denervation procedure is indicated for the following conditions:

  • Hypertension - This procedure is primarily performed to manage resistant hypertension that does not respond adequately to lifestyle changes and pharmacologic interventions.
  • Heart Failure - It may be indicated in patients with heart failure where sympathetic nervous system overactivity contributes to the condition.
  • Renal Dysfunction - The procedure can be beneficial in cases of renal dysfunction associated with elevated sympathetic activity.
  • Improvement of Glucose Control - It may assist in enhancing glucose control in patients with metabolic disorders.
  • Control of Sleep Apnea - The procedure can also be indicated for patients suffering from sleep apnea when other treatments have failed.

2. Procedure

The transcatheter renal sympathetic denervation procedure involves several critical steps to ensure effective treatment:

  • Preparation and Access - The procedure begins with the preparation of the skin over the access artery, typically one of the femoral arteries. A needle is used to puncture the artery, and a sheath is placed to facilitate access.
  • Administration of Heparin - A bolus of heparin is administered to prevent clot formation during the procedure, ensuring a clear pathway for catheter manipulation.
  • Guide Wire Insertion - A guide wire is inserted through the sheath and advanced from the access artery into the aorta, positioning it at or below the renal arteries to prepare for imaging procedures such as a flush aortogram or diagnostic renal angiography.
  • Flush Catheter Advancement - A flush catheter is advanced over the guide wire, which is then withdrawn. Contrast material is injected to visualize the renal arteries and the infrarenal aorta, allowing for the acquisition of necessary images of the renal vasculature.
  • Catheter Placement - The guide wire is reinserted to the level of the renal artery, and the flush catheter is removed. Using fluoroscopic guidance, a renal double curved (RDC) or left internal mammary artery (LIMA) renal guiding catheter is delivered over the guide wire into the targeted renal artery.
  • Radiofrequency Energy Delivery - A soft tip straight delivery catheter with a radiofrequency (RF) energy electrode tip is positioned in the renal artery. RF energy is then delivered at 4-6 carefully selected treatment points along the vessel to disrupt nerve impulses from the renal plexus.
  • Contralateral Treatment - If necessary, the same procedure is repeated on the contralateral renal artery to ensure comprehensive treatment.
  • Intraprocedural Monitoring - Throughout the procedure, intraprocedural roadmapping and pressure gradient measurements are obtained as needed to monitor the effectiveness of the intervention.
  • Completion and Catheter Removal - After the procedure is completed, the catheters are removed, and pressure is applied to the vascular access site to minimize bleeding.

3. Post-Procedure

Following the completion of the transcatheter renal sympathetic denervation procedure, patients typically require monitoring for any immediate complications related to the vascular access site. It is essential to apply pressure to the access site to prevent bleeding. Patients may experience some discomfort or bruising at the puncture site, which usually resolves within a few days. The healthcare team will provide instructions regarding activity restrictions and follow-up appointments to assess the effectiveness of the procedure and monitor blood pressure levels. Long-term follow-up is crucial to evaluate the sustained impact of the renal sympathetic denervation on hypertension and related conditions.

Short Descr TRNSCTH RENAL SYMP DENRV BIL
Medium Descr TRANSCATHETER RENAL SYMPATH DENERVATION BILAT
Long Descr Transcatheter renal sympathetic denervation, percutaneous approach including arterial puncture, selective catheter placement(s) renal artery(ies), fluoroscopy, contrast injection(s), intraprocedural roadmapping and radiological supervision and interpretation, including pressure gradient measurements, flush aortogram and diagnostic renal angiography when performed; bilateral
Status Code Carriers Price the Code
Global Days YYY - Carrier Determines Whether Global Concept Applies
PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) 9 - Not Applicable
Multiple Procedures (51) 9 - Concept does not apply.
Bilateral Surgery (50) 9 - Concept does not apply.
Physician Supervisions 09 - Concept does not apply.
Assistant Surgeon (80, 82) 9 - Concept does not apply.
Co-Surgeons (62) 9 - Concept does not apply.
Team Surgery (66) 9 - Concept does not apply.
Diagnostic Imaging Family 99 - Concept Does Not Apply
APC Status Indicator Hospital Part B services paid through a comprehensive APC
ASC Payment Indicator Device-intensive procedure added to ASC list in CY 2008 or later; paid at adjusted rate.
Type of Service (TOS) 2 - Surgery
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) P6C - Minor procedures - other (Medicare fee schedule)
MUE 1
59 Distinct procedural service: under certain circumstances, it may be necessary to indicate that a procedure or service was distinct or independent from other non-e/m services performed on the same day. modifier 59 is used to identify procedures/services, other than e/m services, that are not normally reported together, but are appropriate under the circumstances. documentation must support a different session, different procedure or surgery, different site or organ system, separate incision/excision, separate lesion, or separate injury (or area of injury in extensive injuries) not ordinarily encountered or performed on the same day by the same individual. however, when another already established modifier is appropriate it should be used rather than modifier 59. only if no more descriptive modifier is available, and the use of modifier 59 best explains the circumstances, should modifier 59 be used. note: modifier 59 should not be appended to an e/m service. to report a separate and distinct e/m service with a non-e/m service performed on the same date, see modifier 25.
GC This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician
Q0 Investigational clinical service provided in a clinical research study that is in an approved clinical research study
Date
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2014-01-01 Added Added
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