CPT® Code 35266

The procedure described by CPT® Code 35266 involves the surgical repair of a blood vessel located in the upper extremity using a graft that is not derived from a vein. This type of intervention is typically necessary when there is significant damage to an artery or other blood vessel in the arm, which may occur due to trauma, disease, or other medical conditions. The surgical approach is tailored to the specific vessel that has sustained injury, ensuring that the repair is both effective and minimizes further complications. During the procedure, the injured blood vessel is carefully exposed, and clamps are applied both proximal and distal to the site of injury to control any bleeding that may occur. In some cases, a temporary shunt may be placed to maintain blood flow while the surgical repair is being performed. The surgeon evaluates the extent of the injury to determine the most appropriate type of graft to use, which may involve harvesting a segment of artery or utilizing a synthetic graft material. The damaged edges of the blood vessel are meticulously debrided to promote healing, and the graft is then securely sutured to the ends of the injured vessel. After the graft is in place, the temporary shunt is removed, clamps are released, and hemostasis is thoroughly checked to ensure there is no bleeding at the suture line. Finally, the surrounding tissues are repaired in layers to restore the integrity of the arm's anatomy.