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COVERED STENT SUBCLAVIAN ARTERY PSEUDOANEURYSM REPAIR W/ BRACHIAL CUTDOWN

Date: Dec 18, 2023

Question:

1. RT brachial artery open exposure. 2. RUE angiogram. 3. RT subclavian artery pseudoaneurysm repair with a covered Viabahn stent. Incision made on medial aspect of RT arm. RT brachial artery dissected out and encircled with vessel loops. Direct needle access gained into the RT brachial artery with placement of a sheath. Kumpe catheter was advanced to the level of the RT subclavian artery where angiogram was performed and confirmed CT findings of RT subclavian artery pseudoaneurysm. There appeared to be a 3-4 cm segment proximal to the pseudoaneurysm as well as a landing zone proximal to the RT vertebral artery. I passed a 11 x 5 cm Viabahn covered stent and deployed this just distal to the origin of the RT common carotid within the RT subclavian artery. Angioplasty was performed and imaging demonstrated no endoleak. 

Is this considered an open procedure and coded with 37799 (with comparable code 35011 since there is no CPT code for open subclavian artery aneurysm repair via brachial incision) OR an endovascular procedure with 37236 and 36140? Thank you!

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