CPT code 34701 refers to a medical procedure to fix a part of the largest artery in the body through a minimally invasive method. CPT 34701 represents “Endovascular repair of infrarenal aorta by deployment of an aorto-aortic tube endograft including pre-procedure sizing and device selection, all nonselective catheterization(s), all associated radiological supervision and interpretation, all endograft extension(s) placed in the aorta from the level of the renal arteries to the aortic bifurcation, and all angioplasty/stenting performed from the level of the renal arteries to the aortic bifurcation; for other than rupture (eg, for aneurysm, pseudoaneurysm, dissection, penetrating ulcer).”
Procedure Explanation:
This procedure involves fixing the lower part of the aorta, which is a major artery near the kidneys, by inserting a special tube called an endograft. Doctors use images to guide the process, and it includes any necessary expansions of the endograft. The procedure does not involve treating a ruptured artery but instead addresses issues like bulges or tears in the artery wall. The process begins with selecting the right size and type of device for each patient, and it includes all the necessary imaging and basic catheter placements.
Common Names:
- Endovascular aortic repair (EVAR)
- Aorto-aortic tube graft
- Endograft placement
Relative Value Units (RVU):
The RVUs associated with this code are 23.71.
How This Procedure Appears:
- Operating Room Schedule Name: Endovascular repair of the aorta
- Surgical Consent Form Name: Aortic endograft insertion
Typical Patients and Diagnoses:
This procedure is typically used for patients who have conditions like aneurysms, which are balloon-like bulges in the aorta that could lead to serious health problems if not addressed. It is also used for those with a tear or small hole, known as a dissection or ulcer, in the artery wall. People with these conditions may experience no symptoms or might have back or abdominal pain, prompting further investigation by their doctors.
Associated ICD-10 Codes:
- I71.4: Abdominal aortic aneurysm, without rupture, indicating a bulge in the aorta below the kidneys that hasn’t burst.
- I71.2: Thoracic aortic aneurysm, not elsewhere classified, which is a bulge in the part of the aorta that runs through the chest area.
- I71.1: Thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm, a bulge that spans the chest and abdominal areas of the aorta.
Summary
In summary, code 34701 describes a procedure to insert a special tube into the aorta to repair problematic areas. Typical ICD-10 codes associated with 34701 include I71.4 (a bulge in the abdominal aorta) and I71.2 (a bulge in the chest area of the aorta).
Disclaimer
This post is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. “CPT” and CPT Codes are registered trademarks of the American Medical Association. HCPCS codes are managed by Medicare and are not subject to copyright.