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CPT®
47510

CPT® Code 47510
Deleted

Code deleted, to report see 47531-47541

Official Description

Introduction of percutaneous transhepatic catheter for biliary drainage

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The CPT® Code 47510 refers to the procedure of introducing a percutaneous transhepatic catheter for biliary drainage. This procedure is performed to facilitate the drainage of bile from the liver when there is an obstruction in the bile duct. The term "transhepatic" indicates that the catheter is inserted through the skin and into the liver, specifically targeting the bile ducts. The procedure is typically indicated when there is a need to relieve biliary obstruction, which can occur due to various conditions such as tumors, strictures, or gallstones. The introduction of the catheter allows for the drainage of bile, which is essential for digestion and overall liver function. The process involves careful preparation of the skin, making an incision, and utilizing imaging techniques to ensure accurate placement of the catheter within the bile duct. This procedure is critical in managing patients with biliary obstructions, providing a means to alleviate symptoms and prevent complications associated with bile accumulation in the liver.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The procedure associated with CPT® Code 47510 is indicated for the following conditions:

  • Biliary Obstruction - This procedure is performed when there is a blockage in the bile duct that prevents bile from draining properly from the liver.
  • Strictures - Narrowing of the bile duct can necessitate the placement of a catheter to facilitate drainage and relieve pressure.
  • Gallstones - The presence of gallstones can lead to obstruction, making this procedure necessary to allow for bile drainage.
  • Neoplasms - Tumors in or around the bile duct can obstruct bile flow, requiring intervention through catheter placement.

2. Procedure

The procedure for CPT® Code 47510 involves several critical steps to ensure successful catheter placement for biliary drainage:

  • Preparation - The skin over the intended catheter insertion site is thoroughly prepped to minimize the risk of infection. This typically occurs over the right midaxillary line below the tenth rib for access to the right hepatic lobe or over the epigastrium for access to the left hepatic lobe.
  • Incision - A small incision is made at the prepared site to allow access for the catheter insertion.
  • Needle Insertion - A small diameter needle is carefully inserted through the skin and advanced into the bile duct. This step is crucial for establishing access to the biliary system.
  • Contrast Injection - A small amount of contrast media is injected through the needle to confirm its correct placement within the bile duct, ensuring that the needle is in the appropriate location for drainage.
  • Guidewire Placement - A guidewire is then passed through the needle into the bile duct. Once the guidewire is in place, the needle is removed, leaving the guidewire as a guide for further catheter placement.
  • Coaxial Exchange Catheter Insertion - A coaxial exchange catheter is inserted over the guidewire, allowing for the next steps in the procedure.
  • Probing and Dilation - A combination catheter and working guidewire are used to probe the bile duct. If any strictures are identified, they are dilated to facilitate the passage of the catheter.
  • Drain Placement - In this procedure, an internal and external biliary drain is placed, ensuring that the side drainage holes are positioned above the area of stricture. If the drain cannot be maneuvered past the obstruction, an external drain is placed proximal to the obstruction.
  • Contrast Injection Post-Placement - After the catheter is placed, additional contrast is injected to confirm that the bile duct is patent and functioning correctly.

3. Post-Procedure

Following the procedure, patients may require monitoring to assess the effectiveness of the biliary drainage and to check for any complications. Expected recovery may vary based on the individual patient's condition and the complexity of the procedure. It is essential to ensure that the catheter remains patent and that there are no signs of infection or other complications. Patients may also need follow-up imaging studies to evaluate the success of the drainage and to monitor for any recurrence of obstruction.
Short Descr INSERT CATHETER BILE DUCT
Medium Descr INTRO PRQ TRANSHEPATC CATH BILIARY DRG
Long Descr Introduction of percutaneous transhepatic catheter for biliary drainage
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) 1 - Statutory payment restriction for assistants at surgery applies to this procedure...
Co-Surgeons (62) 0 - Co-surgeons not permitted for this procedure.
Team Surgery (66) 0 - Team surgeons not permitted for this procedure.
Diagnostic Imaging Family 99 - Concept Does Not Apply
APC Status Indicator Procedure or Service, Multiple Reduction Applies
Type of Service (TOS) 2 - Surgery
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) P1G - Major procedure - Other
MUE Not applicable/unspecified.
CCS Clinical Classification 99 - Other OR gastrointestinal therapeutic procedures
Date
Action
Notes
2016-01-01 Deleted Code deleted, to report see 47531-47541
2011-01-01 Changed Short description changed.
Pre-1990 Added Code added.
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