CPT® Code 35703

Exploration not followed by surgical repair, artery; lower extremity (eg, common femoral, deep femoral, superficial femoral, popliteal, tibial, peroneal)

An exploration of the lower extremity artery, coded as CPT® 35703, involves a surgical procedure where the artery is examined without subsequent surgical repair. This procedure is typically indicated when there is a need to assess the condition of the artery, which may be affected by various factors such as disease or injury. During the exploration, an incision is made directly over the targeted artery, which can include arteries such as the common femoral, deep femoral, superficial femoral, popliteal, tibial, or peroneal arteries. The surrounding soft tissue is carefully dissected to provide clear visibility of the artery. The primary goal of this exploration is to inspect the artery for any signs of constriction, damage, or other abnormalities. If any adhesions are found that are causing constriction, they may be lysed to relieve the pressure on the artery. Additionally, if the artery is kinked, further lysis of the surrounding tissue may be necessary to straighten the artery and enhance blood flow. Once the exploration is complete, the incision is meticulously closed in layers to promote proper healing. It is important to note that this code is specific to lower extremity arteries, and different codes are used for explorations of neck and upper extremity arteries.