Ask Dr. Z

Since these are created for dialysis, would you use the dialysis intervention codes? "U/S guidance was used to access a patent and compressible right radial artery at the wrist using a 5 French slip-cath micropuncture needle and dilator. An image was stored. Through the dilator, a mixture of heparin, verapamil, and nitroglycerin was diluted with blood and gently infused into the radial artery. Next, through the cath, a glidewire was advanced up to the radial artery to the level of the wrist, followed by a 4 French Kumpe cath. An arteriogram of the upper extremity was performed, which included the perforator and veins feeding the cephalic and brachial veins. Next, the Kumpe cath was used to negotiate from the radial artery directly into the perforator vein, and a venogram of the upper extremity was performed into the central venous system. This confirmed a stenosis of the radial artery at the cephalic vein with the cephalic vein stenosis as well. Then cath was exchanged for a balloon, which was used to dilate the radial artery and perforator vein for 90 secs."