CPT® Code 37188

Percutaneous transluminal mechanical thrombectomy, vein(s), including intraprocedural pharmacological thrombolytic injections and fluoroscopic guidance, repeat treatment on subsequent day during course of thrombolytic therapy

The procedure described by CPT® Code 37188 refers to a percutaneous transluminal mechanical thrombectomy performed on veins. This advanced medical intervention is utilized to remove thrombus, or blood clots, from the venous system. The procedure is characterized by the use of fluoroscopic guidance, which allows the physician to visualize the blood vessels and the thrombus in real-time during the intervention. Additionally, intraprocedural pharmacological thrombolytic injections may be administered to enhance the dissolution of the clot. The mechanical thrombectomy itself involves the use of specialized catheters and devices designed to either break up the thrombus, remove it, or capture it for extraction. Various mechanical devices, such as rotating wires, brushes, and retriever devices, are employed depending on the specific characteristics of the thrombus and its location within the vein. The procedure is typically performed in a controlled setting, ensuring that the physician can effectively manage the complexities associated with thrombus removal. This code specifically applies to repeat treatments conducted on a subsequent day as part of a comprehensive thrombolytic therapy regimen, highlighting the ongoing nature of care required for patients with significant venous thromboembolic conditions.