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Code deleted. See 36902, 36905, 37246, 37247.

Official Description

Transluminal balloon angioplasty, renal or other visceral artery, radiological supervision and interpretation

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

Transluminal balloon angioplasty is a minimally invasive procedure aimed at treating stenosis, or narrowing, of the renal or other visceral arteries. This condition can lead to significant health issues, such as renal vascular hypertension, which is high blood pressure caused by reduced blood flow to the kidneys, and renal ischemia, a lack of blood supply to the kidney tissue. Additionally, stenosis in visceral arteries, which supply blood to vital organs like the liver, spleen, and intestines, can result in abdominal angina. This is characterized by chronic pain after eating, along with symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. During the procedure, radiological supervision is crucial as it guides the physician in accurately dilating the affected artery using a balloon catheter. The process involves accessing the femoral artery in the groin, inserting a sheath, and using fluoroscopic guidance to navigate to the site of stenosis. The use of radiopaque contrast medium allows for clear visualization of the arteries, ensuring that the catheter is correctly positioned before the balloon is inflated to restore normal blood flow. The procedure is documented through imaging and a written report, which are essential for medical records and billing purposes.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

Transluminal balloon angioplasty is indicated for the following conditions:

  • Renal Artery Stenosis - This condition can lead to renal vascular hypertension and renal ischemia, necessitating intervention to restore normal blood flow.
  • Visceral Artery Stenosis - Stenosis of the visceral arteries, which supply blood to the liver, spleen, and intestines, may cause abdominal angina, characterized by chronic postprandial pain, nausea, vomiting, and/or diarrhea.

2. Procedure

The procedure for transluminal balloon angioplasty involves several critical steps:

  • Step 1: Accessing the Femoral Artery - The procedure begins with the puncture of the femoral artery located in the right or left groin using a needle. This access point is essential for introducing the necessary instruments into the vascular system.
  • Step 2: Inserting the Arterial Sheath - Following the puncture, an arterial sheath is inserted into the femoral artery. This sheath serves as a conduit for the subsequent devices used in the angioplasty.
  • Step 3: Threading the Guidewire - A guidewire is then threaded through the sheath and advanced toward the renal or other visceral artery, utilizing fluoroscopic guidance to ensure accurate placement.
  • Step 4: Catheter Insertion - A catheter is inserted over the guidewire and advanced to the targeted area of stenosis. Once the catheter is in place, the guidewire is removed to allow for the next steps.
  • Step 5: Injecting Contrast Medium - Radiopaque contrast medium is injected through the catheter, and x-rays are obtained to visualize the stenosis and confirm the correct positioning of the catheter.
  • Step 6: Reintroducing the Guidewire - A guidewire is again introduced through the catheter and advanced to the stenosed area, preparing for balloon dilation.
  • Step 7: Inserting the Balloon Catheter - The balloon catheter is then inserted over the guidewire and navigated to the site of stenosis. Correct placement is verified through the injection of contrast medium and fluoroscopy.
  • Step 8: Inflating the Balloon - The balloon is inflated with a mixture of saline and dilute contrast medium, which allows for visualization of the artery's dilation during the procedure.
  • Step 9: Withdrawal of Devices - Once satisfactory dilation is achieved, the balloon catheter and guidewire are withdrawn, followed by the removal of the arterial catheter and sheath.

3. Post-Procedure

After the completion of the transluminal balloon angioplasty, patients are typically monitored for any immediate complications. The expected recovery may vary based on individual health factors and the extent of the procedure. Patients may experience some discomfort at the access site, which usually resolves quickly. Follow-up imaging may be required to assess the success of the procedure and ensure that the artery remains patent. Documentation of the procedure, including the radiological supervision and interpretation of the images obtained, is essential for medical records and billing purposes. A written report detailing the findings is also generated to provide a comprehensive overview of the procedure performed.

Short Descr REPAIR ARTERIAL BLOCKAGE
Medium Descr TRLUML BALO ANGIOPLASTY RENAL/OTH VISC ART RS&I
Long Descr Transluminal balloon angioplasty, renal or other visceral artery, radiological supervision and interpretation
Status Code Active Code
Global Days XXX - Global Concept Does Not Apply
PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) 1 - Diagnostic Tests for Radiology Services
Multiple Procedures (51) 0 - No payment adjustment rules for multiple procedures apply.
Bilateral Surgery (50) 0 - 150% payment adjustment for bilateral procedures does NOT apply.
Physician Supervisions 9 - Concept does not apply.
Assistant Surgeon (80, 82) 0 - 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 Items and Services Packaged into APC Rates
Type of Service (TOS) 6 - Therapeutic Radiology
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) I1F - Standard imaging - other
MUE Not applicable/unspecified.
CCS Clinical Classification 191 - Arterio- or venogram (not heart and head)
Date
Action
Notes
2016-12-31 Deleted Code deleted. See 36902, 36905, 37246, 37247.
2013-01-01 Changed Medium Descriptor changed.
Pre-1990 Added Code added.
Code
Description
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