CPT® Code 35011

Direct repair of aneurysm, pseudoaneurysm, or excision (partial or total) and graft insertion, with or without patch graft; for aneurysm and associated occlusive disease, axillary-brachial artery, by arm incision

The CPT® Code 35011 refers to the surgical procedure for the direct repair of an aneurysm or pseudoaneurysm located in the axillary-brachial artery, which is accessed through an incision in the arm. An aneurysm is characterized by an abnormal enlargement or dilation of an artery, which can occur due to various factors such as arteriosclerosis, mechanical obstructions like thoracic outlet syndrome, or abnormalities in the vessel wall, including conditions like fibromuscular dysplasia. Pseudoaneurysms, on the other hand, differ from true aneurysms as they do not involve all three layers of the arterial wall and are often the result of trauma or complications from medical procedures, leading to a pulsating hematoma that communicates with the artery. The procedure involves either direct repair or excision of the aneurysm, with the potential insertion of a graft, which may be autogenous (using the patient's own saphenous vein) or synthetic, and may include the use of a patch graft. The surgical approach is nonemergent and elective, contrasting with procedures for ruptured aneurysms, which are classified under different codes and require immediate intervention to control bleeding. This detailed understanding of the procedure is essential for accurate medical coding and billing, ensuring that healthcare professionals can effectively document and process claims related to this surgical intervention.