0 code page views remaining today. Guest accounts are limited to 2 daily page views. Register free account to get more views.
Log in Register free account
Code deleted. See 36902, 36905, 36907, 37246, 37247, 37248, 37249.

Official Description

Transluminal balloon angioplasty, open; renal or other visceral artery

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The procedure described by CPT® Code 35450 refers to an open transluminal balloon angioplasty performed on a renal or other visceral artery. This medical intervention is aimed at treating blockages or narrowing within these arteries, which can impede blood flow and lead to various health complications. During the procedure, the physician makes an incision in the skin over the access artery to expose it. A sheath is then inserted into the artery, allowing for the introduction of a guidewire. This guidewire is carefully navigated through the artery to the site of the blockage. A catheter equipped with a balloon tip is advanced over the guidewire to the occluded area. Once in position, the balloon is inflated, which compresses the plaque against the arterial wall, thereby widening the artery and restoring blood flow. The inflation of the balloon may be repeated multiple times to achieve optimal results. Following the angioplasty, an angiography catheter is used to inject contrast material and perform a completion angiography, ensuring that the artery is open and functioning properly. Finally, the access artery is repaired, and the skin incision is closed, completing the procedure.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The procedure of open transluminal balloon angioplasty, as described by CPT® Code 35450, is indicated for patients experiencing conditions that necessitate the restoration of blood flow in the renal or other visceral arteries. These indications may include:

  • Renal Artery Stenosis - A narrowing of the renal artery that can lead to hypertension and kidney dysfunction.
  • Visceral Artery Occlusion - Blockages in arteries supplying blood to the abdominal organs, which can cause ischemia and related complications.
  • Atherosclerosis - The buildup of plaque in the arteries, which can restrict blood flow and lead to serious health issues.

2. Procedure

The open transluminal balloon angioplasty procedure involves several critical steps to ensure successful treatment of the occluded artery. These steps include:

  • Accessing the Artery - The physician begins by preparing the skin over the access artery, followed by making an incision to expose the artery. This step is crucial for gaining access to the vascular system.
  • Inserting the Sheath - Once the artery is exposed, a small nick is made in the artery, and a sheath is placed within it. This sheath serves as a conduit for the subsequent instruments used in the procedure.
  • Advancing the Guidewire - A guidewire is inserted through the sheath and carefully advanced from the access artery into the occluded renal or visceral artery or the aorta. This guidewire is essential for navigating the blockage.
  • Balloon Catheter Placement - A catheter with a balloon tip is then advanced over the guidewire to the site of the occlusion. This step is critical for the actual angioplasty process.
  • Inflating the Balloon - The balloon is inflated at the site of the blockage, which compresses the plaque against the arterial wall. This inflation may be repeated several times to achieve the desired dilation of the artery.
  • Completion Angiography - After the balloon angioplasty, the angioplasty catheter is exchanged for a guidewire, and an angiography catheter is advanced over the guidewire. The guidewire is then withdrawn, and contrast material is injected to perform a completion angiography, ensuring that the renal or visceral artery or aorta is patent.
  • Closing the Access Site - Finally, the angiography catheter is withdrawn, and the access artery is repaired. The skin incision is then closed, completing the procedure.

3. Post-Procedure

Post-procedure care following an open transluminal balloon angioplasty involves monitoring the patient for any complications and ensuring proper recovery. Patients may be observed for signs of bleeding or infection at the incision site. Additionally, follow-up imaging may be required to confirm the success of the procedure and the patency of the treated artery. Patients are typically advised on activity restrictions and may be prescribed medications to manage any underlying conditions, such as hypertension or hyperlipidemia, to prevent future arterial blockages.

Short Descr REPAIR ARTERIAL BLOCKAGE
Medium Descr TRLUML BALOON ANGIOPL OPN RENAL/OTH VISCERAL ART
Long Descr Transluminal balloon angioplasty, open; renal or other visceral artery
Status Code Active Code
Global Days 000 - Endoscopic or Minor Procedure
PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) 0 - Physician Service Code
Multiple Procedures (51) 2 - Standard payment adjustment rules for multiple procedures apply.
Bilateral Surgery (50) 1 - 150% payment adjustment for bilateral procedures applies.
Physician Supervisions 9 - Concept does not apply.
Assistant Surgeon (80, 82) 2 - Payment restriction for assistants at surgery does not apply to this procedure...
Co-Surgeons (62) 1 - Co-surgeons could be paid, though supporting documentation is required...
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) P2F - Major procedure, cardiovascular-Other
MUE Not applicable/unspecified.
CCS Clinical Classification 61 - Other OR procedures on vessels other than head and neck
Date
Action
Notes
2016-12-31 Deleted Code deleted. See 36902, 36905, 36907, 37246, 37247, 37248, 37249.
Pre-1990 Added Code added.
Code
Description
Code
Description
Code
Description
Code
Description