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Ultrasound, intraoperative thoracic aorta (e.g., epiaortic), diagnostic, commonly referred to as epiaortic ultrasound (EAU), is a specialized imaging technique utilized during cardiovascular surgeries. This procedure is essential for identifying potential atherosclerotic lesions or tears in the thoracic aorta that may not be detectable through other diagnostic methods. The use of high-frequency transthoracic or epivascular probes allows for real-time imaging of the aorta, providing critical information to the surgical team. The procedure is performed in a sterile environment, where the ultrasound probe is inserted into a sterile sheath filled with saline or ultrasound transmission gel, ensuring that all air is removed to optimize imaging quality. In some cases, the chest cavity may be filled with body-temperature sterile saline to enhance the clarity of the ultrasound images. The scanning process involves examining the anterior, posterior, left, and right aspects of the aorta for signs of atherosclerosis or calcification, which are significant risk factors for intraoperative stroke. In emergency situations, the EAU probe can also be employed to detect ruptures in the aorta, allowing for immediate intervention. Throughout the procedure, a probe operator maneuvers the ultrasound probe over the aorta while an echocardiographer captures and evaluates the images, providing real-time feedback to the cardiac surgeon. Once the imaging is complete, the probe is carefully removed from the surgical field, concluding the intraoperative assessment.
© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.
Intraoperative ultrasound of the thoracic aorta (e.g., epiaortic) is indicated for several critical conditions and scenarios during cardiovascular surgery. The following are the primary indications for performing this procedure:
The intraoperative ultrasound of the thoracic aorta involves several detailed procedural steps to ensure accurate imaging and assessment. The following outlines the key steps involved in the procedure:
After the completion of the intraoperative ultrasound of the thoracic aorta, there are several considerations for post-procedure care. The surgical team will review the images and findings to determine if any immediate interventions are necessary based on the results. Continuous monitoring of the patient is essential to assess for any complications that may arise from the surgical procedure or the ultrasound assessment. The surgical team may also document the findings in the patient's medical record for future reference and to ensure comprehensive care. Overall, the procedure is designed to enhance patient safety and surgical outcomes by providing critical information during cardiovascular surgeries.
| Short Descr | DX INTRAOP THORACIC AORTA US | Medium Descr | DX INTRAOPERATIVE THORACIC AORTA ULTRASOUND | Long Descr | Ultrasound, intraoperative thoracic aorta (eg, epiaortic), diagnostic | Status Code | Carriers Price the 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 | 09 - 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 | Inpatient Procedures, not paid under OPPS | Type of Service (TOS) | 4 - Diagnostic Radiology | Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) | none | MUE | 1 |
| 26 | Professional component: certain procedures are a combination of a physician or other qualified health care professional component and a technical component. when the physician or other qualified health care professional component is reported separately, the service may be identified by adding modifier 26 to the usual procedure number. | XS | Separate structure, a service that is distinct because it was performed on a separate organ/structure | X5 | Diagnostic services requested by another clinician: for reporting services by a clinician who furnishes care to the patient only as requested by another clinician or subsequent and related services requested by another clinician; this modifier is reported for patient relationships that may not be adequately captured by the above alternative categories; reporting clinician service examples include but are not limited to, the radiologist's interpretation of an imaging study requested by another clinician | GC | This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician | 59 | Distinct procedural service: under certain circumstances, it may be necessary to indicate that a procedure or service was distinct or independent from other non-e/m services performed on the same day. modifier 59 is used to identify procedures/services, other than e/m services, that are not normally reported together, but are appropriate under the circumstances. documentation must support a different session, different procedure or surgery, different site or organ system, separate incision/excision, separate lesion, or separate injury (or area of injury in extensive injuries) not ordinarily encountered or performed on the same day by the same individual. however, when another already established modifier is appropriate it should be used rather than modifier 59. only if no more descriptive modifier is available, and the use of modifier 59 best explains the circumstances, should modifier 59 be used. note: modifier 59 should not be appended to an e/m service. to report a separate and distinct e/m service with a non-e/m service performed on the same date, see modifier 25. | Q1 | Routine clinical service provided in a clinical research study that is in an approved clinical research study | XU | Unusual non-overlapping service, the use of a service that is distinct because it does not overlap usual components of the main service |
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| 2024-01-01 | Added | Code Added. |
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