CPT® Code 35510

A carotid-brachial bypass graft is a surgical procedure designed to create an alternative pathway for blood flow around a diseased or obstructed segment of the artery. This procedure specifically involves the carotid artery in the neck and the brachial artery in the arm, which may be affected by conditions such as atherosclerosis or other vascular diseases. The surgery typically requires two incisions: one in the neck to access the common carotid artery and another in the arm to access the brachial artery, usually located just above the elbow. During the procedure, soft tissues are carefully dissected to expose these arteries, allowing for the creation of a tunnel that connects the two sites. A vein graft, often harvested from the saphenous vein in the leg, is then used to bypass the obstructed area. The graft is meticulously sutured to both the carotid and brachial arteries, ensuring that blood can flow freely through the newly created pathway. This procedure is critical for restoring adequate blood circulation to the arm and preventing complications associated with arterial blockages.