In simple words: This surgery treats a tangle of blood vessels in the neck area of the spinal cord. The surgeon makes an incision in the neck, removes a small part of the bony covering of the spinal cord, and then either removes the tangled vessels or ties them off.

This procedure involves the removal or closure of a tangle of arteries and veins (arteriovenous malformation or AVM) within, on, or near the spinal cord in the cervical spine. The surgeon makes an incision in the neck, dissects through tissue to the fascia and exposes the cervical vertebra. A laminectomy (removal of the lamina) is performed to access the spinal cord. Using a microscope, the surgeon opens the dura and excises or ligates the AVM. The dura, muscles, and skin are then closed.

Example 1: A patient presents with progressive lower extremity weakness and sensory disturbances. Imaging reveals a cervical spinal AVM. A laminectomy is performed to excise the AVM and alleviate pressure on the spinal cord., A patient experiences sudden onset of severe neck pain and neurological deficits. An AVM is found to be compressing the cervical spinal cord. Code 63250 is used for the surgical occlusion of the AVM., A previously asymptomatic patient is found to have a cervical spinal cord AVM during an unrelated imaging study. Due to the risk of hemorrhage or neurological decline, a surgical excision is performed via laminectomy.

Preoperative imaging studies (MRI, CT angiography) confirming the presence, location, and size of the cervical AVM. Operative report detailing the surgical approach, extent of laminectomy, method of AVM treatment (excision or occlusion), and any intraoperative complications.