Ask Dr. Z

Does ligation of a flow-stealing venous tributary via cutdown count as 36909 or open revision 36832? "History: Non-maturing brachiocephalic AVF. Procedure: Angiography of right brachiocephalic fistula reveals 90% stenosis from proximal aspect of fistula, approximately 1 cm distal to the anastomosis. Lesion was ballooned with 4, 5, and 6 mm balloons. Completion angio reveals less than 10% residual stenosis (36902). There was also noted at this time a venous tributary in the mid upper arm that was stealing a significant portion of flow through the fistula. A small transverse mid upper arm incision is made, and the venous tributaries were identified and ligated. Completion angio reveals excellent improved flow with no residual stenosis at the proximal anastomosis and no further flow through the ligated tributary."