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Same access two catheters for neuro embolization

Date: Dec 27, 2011

Question:

Hi Dr. Z. Patient has a neuro aneurysm. Embolization is to be performed. Two catheters were placed via the same access as described below: Under biplane roadmapping in biplane working projections, using coaxial technique, a microcatheter (Prowler 14 LP) was coaxially introduced and navigated over a microguidewire via the internal carotid artery segments, through the supraclinoid segment and was positioned into the distal left A1, proximal to the aneurysmal neck. A second microcatheter (Echelon 10) was coaxially introduced via the same guiding catheter and navigated over a microguidewire via the internal carotid artery segments, through the supraclinoid carotid segment and the left A1 to be positioned in the lower portion of the aneurysmal sac. Question - Would you code 36217 and 36217-59 (same access but two separate catheters), 36217 and 36218 (same access but two separate catheters going to the same vascular family) or only one 36217(because both catheter placements were via the same access)? Thank you for your assistance.
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