CPT® Code 34203

Embolectomy or thrombectomy is a surgical procedure aimed at removing an obstruction from a blood vessel, specifically targeting the popliteal-tibio-peroneal artery through an incision in the leg. This procedure is indicated when an embolus, which is a blood clot that has traveled from another location in the body, becomes lodged in a smaller artery, or when a thrombus, a clot that forms in place due to narrowed arteries, obstructs blood flow. The procedure can be performed with or without the assistance of a catheter, depending on the specific circumstances of the blockage. During the operation, an incision is made to access the affected artery, and vessel loops are strategically placed to control blood flow around the obstruction. The surgeon then incises the artery to directly remove the clot, utilizing techniques such as arterial backpressure or manual massage. Alternatively, a balloon catheter may be employed to facilitate the removal of the clot by inflating the balloon beyond the obstruction and then withdrawing it, capturing the clot in the process. After the clot is removed, angiography may be conducted to verify that the artery is clear and that normal blood flow has been restored.