Coding Ahead
CasePilot
Medical Coding Assistant
Case2Code
Search and Code Lookup Tool
CareerCenter
Medical Coding Job Board
Log in Register free account

Need help choosing the right code?

Ask CasePilot about procedures, modifiers, bundling, and coding guidance.

Try CasePilot
Code deleted. See 36902, 36905, 36907, 37246, 37247, 37248, 37249.

Official Description

Transluminal balloon angioplasty, open; venous

© Copyright 2026 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

This procedure, known as transluminal balloon angioplasty or venoplasty, is a minimally invasive technique used to treat occlusions in veins. The term "transluminal" refers to the procedure being performed within the lumen of the vein, while "balloon angioplasty" indicates the use of a balloon to open up the narrowed or blocked area. The procedure begins with the preparation of the skin over the access vein, which is then incised to expose the vein. A small nick is made in the vein to facilitate the placement of a sheath, which serves as a conduit for further instruments. A guidewire is then inserted and advanced through the sheath into the occluded section of the vein. Once the guidewire is in place, a catheter equipped with a balloon tip is threaded over the guidewire and navigated to the site of the blockage. The balloon is inflated, which compresses the plaque or obstruction against the vein wall, thereby widening the vessel and restoring blood flow. This inflation may be repeated multiple times to achieve optimal results. After the angioplasty is completed, the angioplasty catheter is exchanged for a guidewire, and a venography catheter is introduced to assess the success of the procedure. A contrast agent is injected to perform a completion venogram, which visualizes the vein and confirms that it is patent. Finally, the venography catheter is removed, the access vein is repaired, and the skin incision is closed, completing the procedure.

© Copyright 2026 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The procedure of transluminal balloon angioplasty (venoplasty) is indicated for various conditions related to venous occlusions. The following are the explicitly provided indications for performing this procedure:

  • Venous Occlusion The primary indication for this procedure is the presence of an occlusion in a vein, which may lead to impaired blood flow and associated complications.
  • Chronic Venous Insufficiency This condition, characterized by the inability of veins to adequately return blood to the heart, may necessitate intervention to restore proper venous function.
  • Thrombosis The presence of a thrombus (blood clot) within a vein can obstruct blood flow, making angioplasty a potential treatment option to alleviate the blockage.

2. Procedure

The transluminal balloon angioplasty procedure involves several critical steps, each designed to ensure the effective treatment of venous occlusions. The following procedural steps are outlined:

  • Step 1: Preparation and Incision The procedure begins with the preparation of the skin over the access vein, which is cleaned and sterilized to minimize the risk of infection. An incision is then made to expose the vein, allowing for direct access.
  • Step 2: Vein Exposure and Sheath Placement Once the vein is exposed, a small nick is made in the vein to facilitate the insertion of a sheath. This sheath acts as a conduit for the subsequent instruments used in the procedure.
  • Step 3: Guidewire Insertion A guidewire is inserted through the sheath and advanced into the occluded section of the vein. This guidewire serves as a pathway for the catheter that will be used to perform the angioplasty.
  • Step 4: Catheter Advancement A catheter with a balloon tip is then advanced over the guidewire to the site of the occlusion. This catheter is specifically designed to navigate through the vascular system to reach the blockage.
  • Step 5: Balloon Inflation Once the catheter is in position, the balloon at the tip of the catheter is inflated. This inflation compresses the plaque or obstruction against the wall of the vein, effectively widening the vessel and restoring blood flow.
  • Step 6: Repeated Inflation The balloon may be inflated several times as needed to achieve the desired result, ensuring that the vein is adequately opened to allow for proper circulation.
  • Step 7: Guidewire Exchange After the angioplasty is completed, the angioplasty catheter is exchanged for a guidewire, which remains in place to facilitate further assessment of the vein.
  • Step 8: Venography Catheter Advancement A venography catheter is then advanced over the guidewire. This catheter is used to perform imaging of the vein to confirm the success of the procedure.
  • Step 9: Completion Venogram Contrast material is injected through the venography catheter, and a completion venogram is performed. This imaging study allows for visualization of the vein to ensure that it is patent and that blood flow has been restored.
  • Step 10: Catheter Withdrawal and Closure After the completion venogram is performed, the venography catheter is withdrawn. The access vein is then repaired, and the skin incision is closed, completing the procedure.

3. Post-Procedure

Post-procedure care following transluminal balloon angioplasty involves monitoring the patient for any immediate complications and ensuring proper recovery. Patients may be observed for signs of bleeding or infection at the incision site. Additionally, follow-up imaging may be required to assess the long-term success of the procedure and to ensure that the vein remains patent. Patients are typically advised on activity restrictions and may receive instructions regarding pain management and wound care. It is essential for healthcare providers to provide clear guidance on any necessary follow-up appointments to monitor the patient's recovery and overall vascular health.

Short Descr REPAIR VENOUS BLOCKAGE
Medium Descr TRLUML BALLOON ANGIOPLASTY OPEN VENOUS
Long Descr Transluminal balloon angioplasty, open; venous
Status Code Active Code
Global Days 000 - Endoscopic or Minor Procedure
PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) 0 - Physician Service Code
Multiple Procedures (51) 2 - Standard payment adjustment rules for multiple procedures apply.
Bilateral Surgery (50) 1 - 150% payment adjustment for bilateral procedures applies.
Physician Supervisions 9 - Concept does not apply.
Assistant Surgeon (80, 82) 1 - Statutory payment restriction for assistants at surgery applies to this procedure...
Co-Surgeons (62) 1 - Co-surgeons could be paid, though supporting documentation is required...
Team Surgery (66) 0 - Team surgeons not permitted for this procedure.
Diagnostic Imaging Family 99 - Concept Does Not Apply
APC Status Indicator Hospital Part B services paid through a comprehensive APC
Type of Service (TOS) 2 - Surgery
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) P2F - Major procedure, cardiovascular-Other
MUE Not applicable/unspecified.
CCS Clinical Classification 61 - Other OR procedures on vessels other than head and neck
Date
Action
Notes
2016-12-31 Deleted Code deleted. See 36902, 36905, 36907, 37246, 37247, 37248, 37249.
1992-01-01 Added First appearance in code book in 1992.
Code
Description
Code
Description
Code
Description
Code
Description
CasePilot

Get instant expert-level medical coding assistance.

Ask about:
CPT Codes Guidelines Modifiers Crosswalks NCCI Edits Compliance Medicare Coverage
Example: "What is CPT code 99213?" or "Guidelines for E/M services"