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Official Description

Endovascular repair of iliac artery, not associated with placement of an aorto-iliac artery endograft at the same session, by deployment of an iliac branched endograft, including pre-procedure sizing and device selection, all ipsilateral selective iliac artery catheterization(s), all associated radiological supervision and interpretation, and all endograft extension(s) proximally to the aortic bifurcation and distally in the internal iliac, external iliac, and common femoral artery(ies), and treatment zone angioplasty/stenting, when performed, for other than rupture (eg, for aneurysm, pseudoaneurysm, dissection, arteriovenous malformation, penetrating ulcer), unilateral

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Common Language Description

The CPT® Code 34718 refers to the endovascular repair of the iliac artery, specifically when this procedure is not performed in conjunction with the placement of an aorto-iliac artery endograft during the same session. This procedure involves the deployment of an iliac branched endograft, which is a specialized device designed to treat various conditions affecting the iliac artery. The procedure includes several critical components: pre-procedure sizing and device selection, selective catheterization of the ipsilateral iliac artery, and comprehensive radiological supervision and interpretation throughout the process. Additionally, it encompasses the extension of the endograft both proximally to the aortic bifurcation and distally into the internal iliac, external iliac, and common femoral arteries. Treatment zone angioplasty or stenting may also be performed as part of this procedure, although it is not limited to cases of rupture. Instead, this code is applicable for a range of conditions such as aneurysms, pseudoaneurysms, dissections, arteriovenous malformations, and penetrating ulcers, all of which can necessitate this type of intervention. The procedure is unilateral, meaning it is performed on one side of the body, and is typically accessed through the femoral artery using either a percutaneous or open technique.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The endovascular repair of the iliac artery using CPT® Code 34718 is indicated for various conditions affecting the iliac artery. These indications include:

  • Aneurysm - A localized enlargement of the iliac artery that can lead to serious complications if not treated.
  • Pseudoaneurysm - A false aneurysm that occurs when blood leaks out of the artery but is contained by surrounding tissue.
  • Dissection - A condition where there is a tear in the artery wall, leading to separation of the layers of the artery.
  • Arteriovenous malformation - An abnormal connection between arteries and veins that can disrupt normal blood flow.
  • Pentrating ulcer - A type of ulcer that can erode through the arterial wall, potentially leading to rupture.

2. Procedure

The procedure for endovascular repair of the iliac artery involves several detailed steps:

  • Step 1: Accessing the Iliac Artery - The procedure begins with accessing the iliac artery through the femoral artery using either a standard percutaneous or open technique. An introducer sheath is advanced over a guidewire on the ipsilateral side, while another introducer sheath is placed on the contralateral side.
  • Step 2: Establishing Through and Through Access - A buddy catheter is introduced from the ipsilateral side, and a snare is positioned on the contralateral side. The ipsilateral wire is then snared to establish through and through femoral access, allowing for effective navigation within the vascular system.
  • Step 3: Preparing the Endograft - The iliac branched endograft is prepared and loaded onto the contralateral guidewire. This step is crucial for ensuring that the endograft can be accurately positioned during deployment.
  • Step 4: Verifying Placement - Angiography may be performed via the ipsilateral sheath to verify the correct placement of the endograft. This imaging technique helps confirm that the device is positioned appropriately before final deployment.
  • Step 5: Deploying the Iliac Branch Portal - The iliac branch portal is deployed above the iliac bifurcation. Following this, the contralateral sheath is advanced over the aortic bifurcation to facilitate further catheterization.
  • Step 6: Catheterizing the Internal Iliac Artery - With the sheath positioned at the distal end of the iliac branch portal, a buddy catheter and guidewire are used to catheterize the internal iliac artery and its posterior branch. Angiography may again be utilized to identify the distal landing zone within the internal iliac artery.
  • Step 7: Deploying the Endograft - The endograft is introduced over an extra stiff support wire and deployed into the internal iliac artery. This step is critical for ensuring that the graft is securely placed within the artery.
  • Step 8: Performing Angioplasty - An angioplasty balloon is used to dilate the iliac branch portal while the external iliac stent portion of the endograft is deployed. This ensures that the graft is properly seated and functioning as intended.
  • Step 9: Closing the Procedure - Finally, balloon angioplasty is performed in the external iliac artery to further secure the graft. The catheter sheaths and guidewires are then withdrawn, and the femoral incision is closed to complete the procedure.

3. Post-Procedure

Post-procedure care following the endovascular repair of the iliac artery involves monitoring the patient for any complications and ensuring proper recovery. Patients may be observed for signs of bleeding, infection, or graft-related issues. Follow-up imaging may be required to assess the integrity and function of the endograft. Additionally, patients are typically advised on activity restrictions and follow-up appointments to ensure optimal healing and to monitor for any potential complications.

Short Descr EVASC RPR N/A A-ILIAC NDGFT
Medium Descr EVASC RPR ILIAC ART N/A A-ILIAC ART NDGFT UNI
Long Descr Endovascular repair of iliac artery, not associated with placement of an aorto-iliac artery endograft at the same session, by deployment of an iliac branched endograft, including pre-procedure sizing and device selection, all ipsilateral selective iliac artery catheterization(s), all associated radiological supervision and interpretation, and all endograft extension(s) proximally to the aortic bifurcation and distally in the internal iliac, external iliac, and common femoral artery(ies), and treatment zone angioplasty/stenting, when performed, for other than rupture (eg, for aneurysm, pseudoaneurysm, dissection, arteriovenous malformation, penetrating ulcer), unilateral
Status Code Active Code
Global Days 090 - Major Surgery
PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) 0 - Physician Service Code
Multiple Procedures (51) 2 - Standard payment adjustment rules for multiple procedures apply.
Bilateral Surgery (50) 0 - 150% payment adjustment for bilateral procedures does NOT apply.
Physician Supervisions 09 - Concept does not apply.
Assistant Surgeon (80, 82) 2 - Payment restriction for assistants at surgery does not apply to this procedure...
Co-Surgeons (62) 2 - Co-surgeons permitted and no documentation required if the two- specialty requirement is met.
Team Surgery (66) 0 - Team surgeons not permitted for this procedure.
Diagnostic Imaging Family 99 - Concept Does Not Apply
APC Status Indicator Inpatient Procedures, not paid under OPPS
Type of Service (TOS) 2 - Surgery
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) none
MUE 2

This is a primary code that can be used with these additional add-on codes.

34713 Addon Code MPFS Status: Active Code APC N ASC N1 Percutaneous access and closure of femoral artery for delivery of endograft through a large sheath (12 French or larger), including ultrasound guidance, when performed, unilateral (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
34714 Addon Code MPFS Status: Active Code APC N ASC N1 Open femoral artery exposure with creation of conduit for delivery of endovascular prosthesis or for establishment of cardiopulmonary bypass, by groin incision, unilateral (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
34715 Addon Code MPFS Status: Active Code APC N ASC N1 Open axillary/subclavian artery exposure for delivery of endovascular prosthesis by infraclavicular or supraclavicular incision, unilateral (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
34716 Addon Code MPFS Status: Active Code APC N ASC N1 Open axillary/subclavian artery exposure with creation of conduit for delivery of endovascular prosthesis or for establishment of cardiopulmonary bypass, by infraclavicular or supraclavicular incision, unilateral (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
34812 Addon Code Resequenced Code MPFS Status: Active Code APC C CPT Assistant Article Open femoral artery exposure for delivery of endovascular prosthesis, by groin incision, unilateral (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
34820 Addon Code Resequenced Code MPFS Status: Active Code APC C CPT Assistant Article Open iliac artery exposure for delivery of endovascular prosthesis or iliac occlusion during endovascular therapy, by abdominal or retroperitoneal incision, unilateral (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
34833 Addon Code Resequenced Code MPFS Status: Active Code APC C CPT Assistant Article Open iliac artery exposure with creation of conduit for delivery of endovascular prosthesis or for establishment of cardiopulmonary bypass, by abdominal or retroperitoneal incision, unilateral (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
34834 Addon Code Resequenced Code MPFS Status: Active Code APC C CPT Assistant Article Open brachial artery exposure for delivery of endovascular prosthesis, unilateral (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
37222 Addon Code MPFS Status: Active Code APC N ASC N1 Revascularization, endovascular, open or percutaneous, iliac artery, each additional ipsilateral iliac vessel; with transluminal angioplasty (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
37223 Addon Code MPFS Status: Active Code APC N ASC N1 Revascularization, endovascular, open or percutaneous, iliac artery, each additional ipsilateral iliac vessel; with transluminal stent placement(s), includes angioplasty within the same vessel, when performed (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
37252 Addon Code MPFS Status: Active Code APC N ASC N1 Intravascular ultrasound (noncoronary vessel) during diagnostic evaluation and/or therapeutic intervention, including radiological supervision and interpretation; initial noncoronary vessel (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
37253 Addon Code MPFS Status: Active Code APC N ASC N1 Intravascular ultrasound (noncoronary vessel) during diagnostic evaluation and/or therapeutic intervention, including radiological supervision and interpretation; each additional noncoronary vessel (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
22 Increased procedural services: when the work required to provide a service is substantially greater than typically required, it may be identified by adding modifier 22 to the usual procedure code. documentation must support the substantial additional work and the reason for the additional work (ie, increased intensity, time, technical difficulty of procedure, severity of patient's condition, physical and mental effort required). note: this modifier should not be appended to an e/m service.
50 Bilateral procedure: unless otherwise identified in the listings, bilateral procedures that are performed at the same session, should be identified by adding modifier 50 to the appropriate 5 digit code. note: this modifier should not be appended to designated "add-on" codes (see appendix d).
51 Multiple procedures: when multiple procedures, other than e/m services, physical medicine and rehabilitation services or provision of supplies (eg, vaccines), are performed at the same session by the same individual, the primary procedure or service may be reported as listed. the additional procedure(s) or service(s) may be identified by appending modifier 51 to the additional procedure or service code(s). note: this modifier should not be appended to designated "add-on" codes (see appendix d).
58 Staged or related procedure or service by the same physician or other qualified health care professional during the postoperative period: it may be necessary to indicate that the performance of a procedure or service during the postoperative period was: (a) planned or anticipated (staged); (b) more extensive than the original procedure; or (c) for therapy following a surgical procedure. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 58 to the staged or related procedure. note: for treatment of a problem that requires a return to the operating/procedure room (eg, unanticipated clinical condition), see modifier 78.
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.
62 Two surgeons: when 2 surgeons work together as primary surgeons performing distinct part(s) of a procedure, each surgeon should report his/her distinct operative work by adding modifier 62 to the procedure code and any associated add-on code(s) for that procedure as long as both surgeons continue to work together as primary surgeons. each surgeon should report the co-surgery once using the same procedure code. if additional procedure(s) (including add-on procedure(s) are performed during the same surgical session, separate code(s) may also be reported with modifier 62 added. note: if a co-surgeon acts as an assistant in the performance of additional procedure(s), other than those reported with the modifier 62, during the same surgical session, those services may be reported using separate procedure code(s) with modifier 80 or modifier 82 added, as appropriate.
78 Unplanned return to the operating/procedure room by the same physician or other qualified health care professional following initial procedure for a related procedure during the postoperative period: it may be necessary to indicate that another procedure was performed during the postoperative period of the initial procedure (unplanned procedure following initial procedure). when this procedure is related to the first, and requires the use of an operating/procedure room, it may be reported by adding modifier 78 to the related procedure. (for repeat procedures, see modifier 76.)
79 Unrelated procedure or service by the same physician or other qualified health care professional during the postoperative period: the individual may need to indicate that the performance of a procedure or service during the postoperative period was unrelated to the original procedure. this circumstance may be reported by using modifier 79. (for repeat procedures on the same day, see modifier 76.)
80 Assistant surgeon: surgical assistant services may be identified by adding modifier 80 to the usual procedure number(s).
82 Assistant surgeon (when qualified resident surgeon not available): the unavailability of a qualified resident surgeon is a prerequisite for use of modifier 82 appended to the usual procedure code number(s).
AS Physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or clinical nurse specialist services for assistant at surgery
GC This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician
LT Left side (used to identify procedures performed on the left side of the body)
PD Diagnostic or related non diagnostic item or service provided in a wholly owned or operated entity to a patient who is admitted as an inpatient within 3 days
RT Right side (used to identify procedures performed on the right side of the body)
X4 Episodic/focused services: for reporting services by clinicians who provide focused care on particular types of treatment limited to a defined period and circumstance; the patient has a problem, acute or chronic, that will be treated with surgery, radiation, or some other type of generally time-limited intervention; reporting clinician service examples include but are not limited to, the orthopedic surgeon performing a knee replacement and seeing the patient through the postoperative period
XS Separate structure, a service that is distinct because it was performed on a separate organ/structure
XU Unusual non-overlapping service, the use of a service that is distinct because it does not overlap usual components of the main service
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2020-01-01 Added Code added.
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