CPT® Code 34101

Embolectomy or thrombectomy is a surgical procedure aimed at removing an obstruction from a blood vessel, specifically targeting the axillary, brachial, innominate, or subclavian arteries through an incision made in the arm. This obstruction can be caused by an embolus, which is a substance that travels through the bloodstream and lodges in a vessel, or a thrombus, which is a blood clot that forms in situ within the artery. The procedure can be performed with or without the assistance of a catheter, depending on the specific circumstances of the blockage. Emboli often originate from the heart, particularly in patients with a history of myocardial infarction or rheumatic heart disease, while thrombi may develop in areas of arterial narrowing or after procedures such as aortography that involve puncturing the artery. The surgical approach involves making an incision to access the affected artery, controlling blood flow with vessel loops, and then either directly removing the clot or utilizing a balloon catheter to facilitate the removal process. Post-procedure, angiography may be conducted to confirm the successful removal of the obstruction and to assess the patency of the artery.