Ask Dr. Z

Is the stent billable with 35301, and which stent code would you use? "Longitudinal arteriotomy was made from the common carotid beyond the plaque in the ICA. An endarterectomy was performed using a Freer elevator of the common carotid, carotid bulb, internal carotid artery. The endpoint tapered nicely. Eversion endarterectomy of the ECA was performed. Please note that a clamp was placed proximal to the carotid bulb to avoid any potential embolization. We transitioned to endovascular mode. An 8 French sheath was secured to the skin. A Glidewire and angled vertebral catheter were now advanced crossing the common carotid artery ostial lesion into the aortic arch. The catheter in the arch aortogram was performed, showing intraluminal placement and a focal stenosis involving the proximal common carotid artery. A retrograde angiogram was performed through the sheath. We used the subclavian stent as a landmark in conjunction with the calcification of the aortic wall. 7 x 9 Gore VBX balloon expandable stent, deployed."