CPT® Code 34201

Embolectomy or thrombectomy is a surgical procedure aimed at removing an obstruction from a blood vessel, specifically targeting the femoropopliteal or aortoiliac artery through an incision made in the leg. 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 a narrowed area of the artery. The procedure can be performed with or without the assistance of a catheter, depending on the specific circumstances of the blockage. During the operation, the surgeon makes an incision in the leg or groin to access the affected artery. To manage blood flow during the procedure, vessel loops are placed both upstream and downstream of the obstruction. The artery is then incised, allowing for direct removal of the clot through techniques that may involve applying arterial backpressure or manual massage. Alternatively, if a catheter is used, a balloon catheter may be inserted through an arteriotomy located distal to the obstruction. This catheter is advanced beyond the clot, inflated, and then withdrawn to capture and remove the embolus or thrombus. After the obstruction is cleared, angiography may be performed to confirm that the artery is open and that all clot material has been successfully removed, ensuring proper blood flow is restored.