CPT® Code 36860

The procedure described by CPT® Code 36860 refers to the process of external cannula declotting performed without the use of a balloon catheter. This procedure is essential for restoring patency to an occluded external cannula, which may be necessary for patients requiring vascular access for hemodialysis or other medical treatments. During the declotting process, the physician first examines and palpates the external cannula to assess the nature of the occlusion, determining if it is caused by a thrombus, which is a blood clot that obstructs the flow of blood. If the thrombus is small, the physician may attempt to remove it through digital manipulation, which involves physically manipulating the cannula to dislodge the clot. Additionally, a thrombolytic agent may be injected to facilitate the breakdown of the thrombus. This agent can be administered using techniques such as pulse-spray or the lyse-and-wait method, where the agent is injected in a controlled manner and allowed time to act on the clot. The goal of this procedure is to restore normal blood flow through the cannula, ensuring that the patient can continue to receive necessary medical treatments without interruption.