CPT® Code 35606

A carotid-subclavian bypass graft using other than vein is a surgical procedure designed to create an alternative pathway for blood flow around a diseased or obstructed segment of the carotid or subclavian artery. This procedure is particularly important in cases where there is significant arterial blockage that could lead to reduced blood supply to the brain or upper extremities. The surgery involves making an incision above the clavicle, known as a supraclavicular incision, which allows the surgeon to access the subclavian artery directly. During the operation, the scalene fat pad is carefully dissected, and the anterior scalene muscle is divided to facilitate access to the arteries. The surgeon then exposes the carotid artery and controls blood flow by placing rubber loops around the arteries at specific points. A synthetic graft, which is a tubular structure made from materials other than vein, is selected and prepared for implantation. The procedure requires precise suturing of the graft to both the subclavian and carotid arteries, ensuring that blood can flow through the newly created bypass. After the graft is in place, the surgeon checks for proper blood flow using Doppler ultrasound and evaluates distal pulses to confirm the success of the bypass graft.