CPT® Code 35473

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The CPT® Code 35473 refers to a specific medical procedure known as percutaneous transluminal balloon angioplasty of the iliac artery. This procedure is performed to treat blockages or narrowing in the iliac artery, which can impede blood flow. During the angioplasty, a physician accesses the iliac artery, typically through the femoral artery, using a minimally invasive technique. The process begins with the preparation of the skin over the access site, followed by puncturing the artery with a needle to insert a sheath. A guidewire is then navigated through the artery to the site of the blockage. A catheter equipped with a balloon tip is advanced over this guidewire to the occluded area. Once in position, the balloon is inflated, which compresses the plaque against the arterial wall, thereby widening the artery and restoring blood flow. The balloon may be inflated multiple times to achieve optimal results. After the angioplasty, an angiography catheter is used to perform a completion angiography, which involves injecting contrast material to visualize the artery and confirm that it is open. Finally, the procedure concludes with the application of pressure to the puncture site to prevent bleeding, followed by the placement of a pressure dressing. This procedure is crucial for patients experiencing symptoms related to reduced blood flow due to arterial blockages.