CPT® Code 35901

The procedure described by CPT® Code 35901 involves the excision of an infected vascular graft located in the neck region. This surgical intervention is necessary when a vascular graft, which is a synthetic or biological conduit used to restore blood flow, becomes infected. Infections in grafts can lead to serious complications, including the risk of systemic infection and compromised blood flow to the affected area. The excision process typically requires a prior re-vascularization procedure, which involves the placement of a new graft to ensure that the organ or limb continues to receive adequate blood supply during the excision of the infected graft. The surgical team carefully exposes the infected graft and dissects it free from surrounding tissues to minimize damage to adjacent structures. The inflow and outflow arteries, which supply blood to and from the graft, are clamped to control blood flow during the procedure. The excision is performed with precision, followed by debridement of the arterial walls at the anastomosis sites to remove any inflamed tissue. Finally, the arterial defect is repaired with sutures to restore the integrity of the blood vessels. This procedure is critical for managing infections in vascular grafts and preventing further complications.