In simple words: This code covers a procedure where a small tube (stent) is placed inside a blood vessel in the chest to keep it open.The doctor reaches the blood vessel through an open cut in the neck and inserts the stent against the direction of blood flow.This may involve cleaning out plaque from the vessel.Imaging is used to guide the procedure, and all related imaging costs are included.

This CPT code encompasses the transcatheter placement of one or more intravascular stents within the intrathoracic common carotid artery or the innominate artery.The procedure is performed using a retrograde approach, meaning against the natural blood flow, accessed via an open ipsilateral cervical carotid artery exposure.The code includes angioplasty, if performed, as well as all necessary radiological guidance, supervision, and interpretation.The code also includes the open vessel exposure, vascular access closure, all access and selective catheterization of the vessel, traversing the lesion, and imaging to document completion of the intervention.

Example 1: A 65-year-old male presents with significant stenosis of the intrathoracic portion of the right common carotid artery.After thorough evaluation and determination of suitability, a retrograde transcatheter stent placement is performed via an open cervical incision on the right side.Angioplasty is required to prepare the vessel for stent deployment.Post-procedure imaging confirms successful stent placement and patency., A 72-year-old female patient with a history of coronary artery disease presents with stenosis of the innominate artery.The patient is a candidate for a retrograde stent placement.The procedure is performed with successful stent deployment. Post-procedure angiography confirms patency., An 80-year-old male patient presents with a thrombotic occlusion of the intrathoracic common carotid artery. The patient undergoes retrograde transcatheter stent placement. Thrombectomy and angioplasty are performed before stent placement.Post-operative imaging shows successful revascularization.

Detailed history and physical examination; pre-operative imaging studies (e.g., CT angiography, MR angiography); intra-operative images demonstrating stent placement, angioplasty, and post-procedure patency; operative report; pathology reports (if applicable); post-operative imaging studies.

** This procedure is typically performed on patients with significant symptomatic stenosis or occlusion of the target vessels.Careful consideration should be given to patient selection and risk assessment.This procedure requires specialized expertise and equipment.