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Code deleted, see 37220, 37221, 37222, 37223, 37224, 37225, 37226, 37227.

Official Description

Transluminal balloon angioplasty, percutaneous; iliac

© Copyright 2026 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

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.

© Copyright 2026 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The procedure described by CPT® Code 35473 is indicated for patients experiencing conditions related to the narrowing or occlusion of the iliac artery. These indications may include:

  • Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) - A condition characterized by narrowed arteries reducing blood flow to the limbs, often leading to pain and mobility issues.
  • Intermittent Claudication - Pain or cramping in the legs or buttocks during physical activities, which is relieved by rest, indicating insufficient blood flow.
  • Critical Limb Ischemia - A severe obstruction of the arteries that significantly reduces blood flow to the extremities, potentially leading to tissue loss or gangrene.

2. Procedure

The procedure for CPT® Code 35473 involves several critical steps to ensure successful angioplasty of the iliac artery:

  • Step 1: Preparation and Access - The physician begins by preparing the skin over the access artery, typically the femoral artery. This preparation includes cleaning the area to reduce the risk of infection. Once the area is prepped, the physician punctures the artery with a needle to gain access.
  • Step 2: Insertion of Sheath - After puncturing the artery, a sheath is placed into the artery. This sheath serves as a conduit for the subsequent instruments needed for the procedure.
  • Step 3: Guidewire Advancement - A guidewire is inserted through the sheath and advanced from the access site into the occluded iliac artery. This guidewire is crucial for navigating the anatomy and providing a pathway for the balloon catheter.
  • Step 4: Catheter Placement - A catheter with a balloon tip is then advanced over the guidewire to the site of the occlusion. This step is essential for delivering the balloon to the precise location of the blockage.
  • Step 5: Balloon Inflation - Once the catheter is in place, the balloon is inflated. This inflation compresses the plaque against the vessel wall, widening the artery to restore blood flow. The balloon may be inflated multiple times to achieve the desired dilation.
  • Step 6: Guidewire Exchange - After the angioplasty is completed, the angioplasty catheter is exchanged for a guidewire, which remains in place for the next step.
  • Step 7: Completion Angiography - An angiography catheter is advanced over the guidewire, and the guidewire is then withdrawn. Contrast material is injected through the angiography catheter to visualize the artery, and a completion angiography is performed to ensure that the artery is patent and that blood flow has been restored.
  • Step 8: Closure - After confirming the success of the procedure, the angiography catheter is withdrawn. Pressure is applied to the arterial puncture site to control any bleeding, and a pressure dressing is applied to secure the site and promote healing.

3. Post-Procedure

Post-procedure care following CPT® Code 35473 involves monitoring the patient for any complications, such as bleeding or hematoma at the puncture site. Patients are typically advised to rest and avoid strenuous activities for a specified period. Follow-up appointments may be scheduled to assess the success of the procedure and monitor the patient's recovery. Additionally, patients may receive instructions regarding medication management, lifestyle modifications, and signs of complications to watch for as they heal.

Short Descr REPAIR ARTERIAL BLOCKAGE
Medium Descr TRLUML BALO ANGIOP PRQ ILIAC
Long Descr Transluminal balloon angioplasty, percutaneous; iliac
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 09 - 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 Significant Procedure, Multiple Reduction Applies
Type of Service (TOS) 2 - Surgery
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) none
MUE Not applicable/unspecified.
CCS Clinical Classification 60 - Embolectomy and endarterectomy of lower limbs
Date
Action
Notes
2011-01-01 Deleted Code deleted, see 37220, 37221, 37222, 37223, 37224, 37225, 37226, 37227.
1992-01-01 Added Code added.
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