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The procedure described by CPT® Code 61702 involves surgical intervention on a simple intracranial aneurysm located within the vertebrobasilar circulation, utilizing an intracranial approach. A simple intracranial aneurysm is characterized by its size, specifically being 15 mm or less in diameter, and the absence of calcification at the neck of the aneurysm. Additionally, these aneurysms do not incorporate normal vessels into their necks, which simplifies the surgical approach. The surgical technique does not necessitate complex measures such as temporary vessel occlusion, trapping, or the use of cardiopulmonary bypass, making it a more straightforward procedure. The choice of surgical approach is determined by the precise location of the aneurysm, with options including access through the interhemispheric fissure or the pterion. The procedure begins with an incision through the skin and subcutaneous tissue, followed by a craniectomy to remove the overlying bone. Once the dura mater is opened, the arachnoid membrane is carefully nicked, and cerebrospinal fluid may be drained to enhance visibility and access to the internal carotid or vertebrobasilar artery. The surgeon then identifies and separates the artery from the arachnoid membrane, exposing the aneurysm. The definitive treatment for simple aneurysms typically involves the application of a clip to permanently exclude the aneurysm from the intracranial circulation, thereby preventing potential complications such as rupture or hemorrhage.
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The procedure is indicated for the surgical treatment of simple intracranial aneurysms located in the vertebrobasilar circulation. These aneurysms are characterized by specific criteria that make them suitable for this type of intervention.
The surgical procedure for CPT® Code 61702 involves several critical steps to ensure successful treatment of the aneurysm.
After the completion of the surgical procedure, patients typically require monitoring in a recovery area to assess for any immediate complications. Post-operative care may include managing pain, monitoring neurological status, and ensuring proper recovery from anesthesia. The expected recovery period can vary based on individual patient factors and the complexity of the procedure, but patients are generally advised to follow up with their healthcare provider for ongoing assessment and management of their condition. Additional considerations may include rehabilitation services if there are any neurological deficits following the surgery.
| Short Descr | INNER SKULL VESSEL SURGERY | Medium Descr | SIMPLE INTRACRANIAL ARYSM VERTEBROBASILAR CRCJ | Long Descr | Surgery of simple intracranial aneurysm, intracranial approach; vertebrobasilar circulation | 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) | 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) | P1G - Major procedure - Other | MUE | 1 | CCS Clinical Classification | 59 - Other OR procedures on vessels of head and neck |
This is a primary code that can be used with these additional add-on codes.
| 61316 | Addon Code MPFS Status: Active Code APC C Incision and subcutaneous placement of cranial bone graft (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure) | 69990 | Addon Code MPFS Status: Restricted APC N ASC N1 PUB 100 CPT Assistant Article 1Microsurgical techniques, requiring use of operating microscope (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure) |
| 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.) | 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). | AQ | Physician providing a service in an unlisted health professional shortage area (hpsa) | 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) |
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| 2001-01-01 | Changed | Code description changed. |
| Pre-1990 | Added | Code added. |
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