CPT® Code 35470

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The procedure described by CPT® Code 35470 refers to transluminal balloon angioplasty performed percutaneously on the tibioperoneal trunk or its branches, specifically addressing each vessel treated. This minimally invasive technique is utilized to restore blood flow in cases where there is an occlusion or narrowing of the arteries in the lower leg, particularly affecting the tibioperoneal trunk or its branches. The process begins with the preparation of the skin over the access artery, typically one of the femoral arteries, followed by puncturing the artery with a needle to insert a sheath. A guidewire is then navigated through the access artery into the occluded area. A catheter equipped with a balloon tip is advanced over this guidewire to the site of the blockage. Once positioned, the balloon is inflated, which compresses the plaque against the arterial wall, thereby widening the vessel. This inflation may be repeated multiple times to achieve optimal results. After the angioplasty, the catheter is exchanged for a guidewire, and an angiography catheter is introduced to assess the success of the procedure through completion angiography, ensuring that the artery remains patent. Finally, the angiography catheter is removed, and pressure is applied to the puncture site to manage any bleeding, followed by the application of a pressure dressing. This procedure is coded as 35470 for each vessel treated, highlighting its specificity in addressing vascular occlusions in the lower extremities.