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Official Description

Transluminal balloon angioplasty, percutaneous; renal or visceral artery

© Copyright 2026 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The procedure described by CPT® Code 35471 refers to a percutaneous transluminal balloon angioplasty specifically targeting the renal or visceral arteries. This minimally invasive technique is utilized to treat arterial blockages that can impede blood flow to vital organs. During the procedure, the physician accesses the affected artery, typically through the femoral artery, which is located in the groin area. The process begins with the preparation of the skin and puncturing of the artery using a needle to gain access. A sheath is then inserted to facilitate the introduction of other instruments. A guidewire is carefully navigated through the sheath and into the occluded artery, allowing for the advancement of a catheter equipped with a balloon tip. Once positioned at the site of the blockage, the balloon is inflated, exerting pressure that compresses the plaque against the arterial wall, thereby widening the vessel and restoring blood flow. This inflation may be repeated multiple times to achieve optimal results. Following the angioplasty, the catheter is exchanged for a guidewire, and an angiography catheter is introduced to assess the success of the procedure. Contrast material is injected to visualize the artery, confirming its patency through imaging. After the angiography, the catheter is removed, and pressure is applied to the puncture site to prevent bleeding, followed by the application of a pressure dressing to ensure proper healing.

© Copyright 2026 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The procedure of percutaneous transluminal balloon angioplasty, as described by CPT® Code 35471, is indicated for patients experiencing significant arterial occlusions in the renal or visceral arteries. These occlusions may lead to various clinical symptoms and conditions, including:

  • Renal artery stenosis - A narrowing of the renal artery that can result in hypertension and renal impairment.
  • Visceral artery occlusion - Blockages in arteries supplying blood to the abdominal organs, which can cause ischemia and abdominal pain.
  • Peripheral artery disease - A condition characterized by narrowed arteries reducing blood flow to the limbs, which may also affect renal and visceral arteries.

2. Procedure

The procedure for CPT® Code 35471 involves several critical steps to ensure successful angioplasty of the renal or visceral artery:

  • Step 1: Preparation and Access - The patient is positioned appropriately, and the skin over the access artery, typically the femoral artery, is cleaned and sterilized. Local anesthesia may be administered to minimize discomfort. A needle is then used to puncture the artery, allowing for vascular access.
  • Step 2: Sheath Insertion - Following the puncture, a sheath is inserted into the artery. This sheath serves as a conduit for the introduction of other instruments necessary for the procedure.
  • Step 3: Guidewire Placement - A guidewire is carefully inserted through the sheath and advanced into the occluded renal or visceral artery. This guidewire is crucial for navigating the subsequent devices to the site of the blockage.
  • Step 4: Balloon Catheter Advancement - A catheter with a balloon tip is then advanced over the guidewire to the location of the occlusion. The positioning of the balloon is critical for effective treatment.
  • Step 5: Balloon Inflation - Once the balloon is in place, it is inflated. This inflation compresses the plaque against the arterial wall, widening the artery and restoring blood flow. The balloon may be inflated multiple times to achieve the desired dilation.
  • Step 6: Angiography - After the balloon angioplasty, the angioplasty catheter is exchanged for a guidewire, and an angiography catheter is advanced over the guidewire. The guidewire is then withdrawn, and contrast material is injected through the angiography catheter to visualize the artery. This imaging confirms that the artery is patent and that blood flow has been restored.
  • Step 7: Closure and Dressing - Following the angiography, the angiography catheter is withdrawn. Pressure is applied to the arterial puncture site to control any bleeding, and a pressure dressing is applied to promote healing and prevent complications.

3. Post-Procedure

After the completion of the percutaneous transluminal balloon angioplasty, patients are typically monitored for any immediate complications, such as bleeding or hematoma formation at the puncture site. It is essential to ensure that the arterial access site is stable and that the patient is hemodynamically stable. Patients may be advised to rest and limit physical activity for a short period following the procedure. Follow-up imaging may be scheduled to assess the long-term success of the angioplasty and to monitor for any potential re-narrowing of the artery. Additionally, patients may receive instructions regarding medication management, including antiplatelet therapy, to reduce the risk of future vascular events.

Short Descr REPAIR ARTERIAL BLOCKAGE
Medium Descr TRLUML BALLOON ANGIOP PRQ RENAL/VISCERAL ART
Long Descr Transluminal balloon angioplasty, percutaneous; renal or visceral artery
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) 0 - Co-surgeons not permitted for this procedure.
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
2017-01-01 Changed Moderate (Conscious) Sedation flag removed. See new Moderate Sedation category.
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.
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