August 2017 Q & A

Question: Repair of EVAR with Deployment of 2 Gore Excluder Limbs

This patient developed a type III endoleak due to component separation of the left iliac limb from a prior EVAR. To repair this, our physicians first used an Excluder limb across both graft defects followed by a second Excluder limb in the patient's iliac, to bridge the separation of components. I would normally code this with 34825, 75953.

However, I am not sure how to code for a second graft in this case or if I can code for it at all because I am not positive that the second graft is considered a separate vessel and qualifies for the 34826. There is no mention of it being placed in either the external or internal iliac.

July 2017 Q & A

Question: Superior Mesenteric Artery to Rt Hepatic Artery

A 5 Fr sheath was placed and attached to a heparinized saline infusion. Exchange was made for a SOS catheter and selective DSA performed in the superior mesenteric artery. Superselective catheterization of the replaced right hepatic artery was then performed using a 3 Fr Progreat Microcatheter and wire. Can a catheter reach the right hepatic artery from the SMA or does the catheter need to go through the celiac artery?

June 2017 Q & A

Question: Coarctation of Aorta and Bicuspid Aorta Valve

I have a provider that is is trying to tell us that if a patient has a coarctation of the aorta and a bicuspid valve then we need to bill the congenital CPT codes. I noticed that you answered a similar question in March, but I was wondering where you got your information so I can provide that information to my provider.

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