In simple words: The doctor makes a cut in the groin to access the femoral artery to insert a tube-like device (endograft) to repair a blood vessel. This is done in addition to the main procedure and is billed separately.

This CPT code describes the surgical procedure involving unilateral open exposure of the femoral artery through a groin incision to facilitate the delivery of an endovascular prosthesis.The procedure includes dissection, hemostasis, retraction as needed to expose the femoral artery, and closure of the arterial and groin incisions.This code is reported separately in addition to the primary procedure code.

Example 1: A patient undergoes an endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) of an abdominal aortic aneurysm. Due to the small femoral artery diameter, open surgical exposure (34812) is necessary to facilitate the insertion of the delivery sheath for the endograft. , A patient with an iliac artery occlusion requires an endovascular stent placement.Open femoral artery exposure (34812) is performed to gain access for the catheter-based intervention. , During an EVAR, the surgeon encounters difficulty accessing the femoral artery due to prior surgery or anatomical variations. Open surgical exposure (34812) is performed to allow for safe and efficient endograft placement.

Preoperative imaging (angiogram, CT), operative report detailing incision, artery exposure technique, hemostasis, closure, and any complications. Postoperative imaging confirming endograft placement and absence of endoleaks.

** Ultrasound guidance, if used, is included in the code. Use of closure devices for large sheaths (12 French or larger) may be separately reported (34713).