CPT® Code 33897

Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty of native or recurrent coarctation of the aorta is a minimally invasive procedure aimed at treating the narrowing (coarctation) of the aorta, which is a major blood vessel that carries oxygenated blood from the heart to the rest of the body. This procedure utilizes a transcatheter approach, meaning that a catheter is inserted into the body through a small incision, typically in the groin area, and guided to the site of the coarctation under imaging guidance. The catheter is equipped with a balloon at its tip, which is inflated at the site of the narrowing to widen the aorta and restore normal blood flow. This method is preferred over traditional open surgical techniques due to its reduced invasiveness, leading to shorter recovery times for patients. However, it is important to note that there is a possibility of the coarctation re-narrowing after the procedure, which may necessitate additional interventions, such as repeat balloon angioplasty, to maintain adequate blood flow through the aorta.