2025 CPT code 37606
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Surgery - Surgical Procedures on the Cardiovascular System Feed
Ligation of the internal or common carotid artery using gradual occlusion, typically with a Selverstone or Crutchfield clamp.
Modifiers applicable to this code include:22: Increased Procedural Services47: Anesthesia by Surgeon51: Multiple Procedures52: Reduced Services53: Discontinued Procedure54: Surgical Care Only55: Postoperative Management Only56: Preoperative Management Only58: Staged or Related Procedure or Service by the Same Physician During the Postoperative Period59: Distinct Procedural Service76: Repeat Procedure or Service by Same Physician77: Repeat Procedure by Another Physician78: Return to the Operating/Procedure Room by the Same Physician Following Initial Procedure for a Related Procedure During the Postoperative Period79: Unrelated Procedure or Service by the Same Physician During the Postoperative Period80: Assistant Surgeon81: Minimum Assistant Surgeon82: Assistant Surgeon (when qualified resident surgeon not available)99: Multiple ModifiersModifiers specific to laterality (RT/LT) might apply as well. Specific scenarios and payer policies should always be considered when appending modifiers.
Medical necessity for this procedure must be established by documenting the presence of a condition requiring surgical ligation, such as a symptomatic carotid artery aneurysm, traumatic injury to the carotid artery, or other conditions where ligation is necessary to preserve life or limb.
In simple words: This procedure involves closing off part of a major artery in the neck using a special clamp. It's typically done to treat a bulge or injury in the artery.
This procedure involves an incision in the neck to access the internal or common carotid artery. Gradual occluding clamps, such as Selverstone or Crutchfield clamps, are used to ligate the artery. This procedure is often performed to treat carotid artery aneurysms or injuries.The surgeon makes an incision on the side of the neck, dissects through the muscles to reach the artery, carefully separates it from surrounding structures, and applies the gradual occluding clamps. The effect of reduced blood flow to the brain is assessed before permanently ligating the artery with sutures. The artery is then secured back in its original position, and the surgical wound is closed in layers.
Example 1: A patient presents with a large aneurysm in the internal carotid artery, posing a risk of rupture. Surgical ligation with gradual occlusion using a Crutchfield clamp is performed to secure the aneurysm., A patient sustains a penetrating injury to the neck, damaging the common carotid artery. Ligation of the common carotid artery with gradual occlusion is performed to control bleeding and prevent further complications., A patient with a complex carotid artery dissection requires ligation of the affected segment of the internal carotid artery with gradual occlusion using a Selverstone clamp to prevent stroke.
Documentation should include details of the indication for surgery (e.g., aneurysm, injury), type of clamp used (e.g., Selverstone, Crutchfield), operative findings, and any intraoperative complications.
- Revenue Code: P2F - Major Procedure, Cardiovascular - Other
- Specialties:Vascular Surgery, Neurosurgery
- Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, Ambulatory Surgical Center