© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.
The procedure described by CPT® Code 61708 involves the surgical intervention for conditions such as an intracranial aneurysm, vascular malformation, or carotid-cavernous fistula through the technique of intracranial electrothrombosis. An intracranial aneurysm, also known as a cerebral or intracerebral aneurysm, is characterized by a weakened segment of a blood vessel wall that bulges and fills with blood. This condition can exert pressure on adjacent brain structures, potentially leading to pain and neurological impairments. In severe cases, the aneurysm may rupture, resulting in an intracranial hemorrhage, which is a life-threatening event. Intracranial aneurysms can be either congenital, meaning they are present at birth, or acquired due to various factors over time. A vascular malformation encompasses a range of abnormalities in blood vessel formation and structure, which can disrupt normal blood flow and lead to complications. The carotid-cavernous fistula is a specific type of vascular malformation that creates an abnormal connection between the carotid artery—either external or internal—and the cavernous sinus, a cavity located behind the eyes that drains blood from the brain. The surgical approach for this procedure typically involves a craniotomy, which is performed by creating flaps in the scalp and drilling burr holes in the skull. The intervening bone is then cut and lifted to access the brain. During the procedure, a catheter is introduced into the carotid artery supplying the affected area, and a microcatheter is navigated to the precise location of the aneurysm, malformation, or fistula. The introduction of a coil via a delivery wire, combined with the application of a positive electrical current, facilitates the formation of a thrombus, effectively occluding the targeted vascular structure. This intricate process is crucial for preventing further complications associated with these serious conditions.
© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.
The procedure described by CPT® Code 61708 is indicated for the following conditions:
The procedure for CPT® Code 61708 involves several critical steps to ensure effective treatment of the targeted vascular condition:
Post-procedure care following the surgery coded by CPT® 61708 typically involves monitoring for any complications related to the procedure, such as infection or neurological deficits. Patients may require imaging studies to assess the success of the occlusion and to ensure that there are no residual or recurrent vascular issues. Recovery may vary based on the individual patient's condition and the extent of the procedure performed. Follow-up appointments are essential to evaluate the patient's neurological status and to manage any potential complications that may arise during the recovery period.
| Short Descr | REVISE CIRCULATION TO HEAD | Medium Descr | ARYSM VASC MALFRMJ/ICRA ELECTROTHROMBOSIS | Long Descr | Surgery of aneurysm, vascular malformation or carotid-cavernous fistula; by intracranial electrothrombosis | 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) | 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 | 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.
| 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) |
| 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.) | LT | Left side (used to identify procedures performed on the left side of the body) |
|
Date
|
Action
|
Notes
|
|---|---|---|
| Pre-1990 | Added | Code added. |