2025 CPT code 61708
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Surgery - Surgical Procedures on the Nervous System Feed
Surgery of aneurysm, vascular malformation, or carotid-cavernous fistula by intracranial electrothrombosis.
Modifiers may be applicable to indicate specific circumstances (e.g., increased procedural services, reduced services, etc.).
Medical necessity must be established by documenting the patient's symptoms, the presence of the aneurysm, vascular malformation, or carotid-cavernous fistula, and the failure of less invasive treatment options, if applicable. Justification for the surgical approach and electrothrombosis must also be provided.
The surgeon performs the craniotomy, accesses the affected blood vessel, performs electrothrombosis, drains any excess fluid/blood, repairs the dura, and closes the incision.
In simple words: The surgeon opens the skull to reach a problem with a blood vessel in the brain.They use a special electrical technique to eliminate the issue.The skull bone is then put back in place.
This procedure involves the surgical removal of a portion of the skull bone (craniotomy) to access an aneurysm, vascular malformation, or carotid-cavernous fistula.Electrothrombosis is then used to destroy the malformation.The procedure includes draining excess fluid or blood, suturing the dura, and reattaching the bone flap.
Example 1: A patient presents with a ruptured aneurysm in the brain. Code 61708 is used for the surgical intervention to destroy the aneurysm using electrothrombosis., A patient has a carotid-cavernous fistula causing vision problems and other neurological symptoms.61708 is used for the surgical treatment of the fistula via electrothrombosis., A patient is diagnosed with an intracranial vascular malformation.61708 describes the surgical approach and electrothrombosis performed to obliterate the malformation.
Documentation should include the diagnosis, operative report detailing the procedure (including the location and type of malformation), method of electrothrombosis used, any complications, and post-operative care instructions. Pre-operative imaging studies should also be documented.
- Specialties:Neurosurgery
- Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital