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Code deleted, see 37211-37214

Official Description

Exchange of a previously placed intravascular catheter during thrombolytic therapy

© Copyright 2026 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The procedure described by CPT® Code 37209 involves the exchange of a previously placed intravascular catheter during thrombolytic therapy. This procedure is necessary when the existing thrombolytic catheter, which has been delivering medication to dissolve a blood clot (thrombosis), is found to be inadequate for continued treatment. The physician evaluates the current catheter's effectiveness and determines that a new catheter is needed to facilitate the infusion of thrombolytics at a different thrombosis site within the same blood vessel. This exchange process is critical for ensuring that the thrombolytic therapy can continue effectively, targeting the new site of thrombosis without interruption. The procedure requires careful manipulation of a guidewire to navigate to the new site, ensuring that the new catheter is correctly positioned for optimal therapeutic effect.

© Copyright 2026 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The procedure described by CPT® Code 37209 is indicated in specific clinical scenarios where thrombolytic therapy is being administered. The following conditions may warrant the exchange of a previously placed intravascular catheter:

  • Inadequate Infusion The existing catheter is not effectively delivering thrombolytics to the intended thrombosis site, necessitating an exchange to improve treatment efficacy.
  • Change in Thrombosis Site A new thrombosis site has been identified that requires thrombolytic therapy, requiring the catheter to be repositioned to ensure proper medication delivery.
  • Catheter Malfunction The current catheter may be malfunctioning or obstructed, which can impede the infusion of thrombolytics, thus requiring a replacement to maintain therapy.

2. Procedure

The procedure for exchanging a previously placed intravascular catheter during thrombolytic therapy involves several critical steps to ensure successful catheter placement and continued treatment.

  • Step 1: Evaluation of Existing Catheter The physician begins by assessing the current thrombolytic catheter to determine its functionality and effectiveness in delivering medication to the thrombosis site. This evaluation is crucial to decide whether an exchange is necessary.
  • Step 2: Insertion of Guidewire Once the need for an exchange is confirmed, a guidewire is carefully inserted through the existing catheter. The guidewire serves as a pathway to navigate to the new thrombosis site, ensuring that the subsequent steps can be performed accurately.
  • Step 3: Manipulation to Second Thrombosis Site The physician manipulates the guidewire to reach the second thrombosis site within the same vessel. This step requires precision to ensure that the guidewire is correctly positioned for the next phase of the procedure.
  • Step 4: Removal of Existing Catheter After successfully positioning the guidewire, the existing catheter is removed. This step is essential to clear the pathway for the new catheter and to prevent any complications associated with leaving the old catheter in place.
  • Step 5: Advancement of New Catheter A new catheter is then advanced over the guidewire and positioned at the site of the second thrombosis. This step is critical for ensuring that the thrombolytic therapy can be resumed effectively at the new site.
  • Step 6: Removal of Guidewire and Securing Catheter After the new catheter is in place, the guidewire is removed. The new catheter is then secured within the blood vessel to prevent displacement and ensure proper function during the thrombolytic infusion.
  • Step 7: Resumption of Thrombolytic Infusion Finally, the thrombolytic infusion is resumed at the second thrombosis site, allowing for continued treatment of the clot and facilitating the therapeutic goals of the procedure.

3. Post-Procedure

Post-procedure care following the exchange of the intravascular catheter involves monitoring the patient for any immediate complications related to the catheter placement. This includes assessing the site for signs of infection, ensuring that the catheter remains patent, and confirming that the thrombolytic therapy is being delivered effectively. The healthcare team should also provide instructions for follow-up care and any necessary adjustments to the treatment plan based on the patient's response to the therapy. Regular monitoring of the patient's condition is essential to ensure the success of the procedure and to address any potential issues promptly.

Short Descr CHANGE IV CATH AT THROMB TX
Medium Descr CHANGE IV CATH AT THROMB TX
Long Descr Exchange of a previously placed intravascular catheter during thrombolytic therapy
Status Code Active Code
Global Days 000 - Endoscopic or Minor Procedure
PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) 0 - Physician Service Code
Multiple Procedures (51) 2 - Standard payment adjustment rules for multiple procedures apply.
Bilateral Surgery (50) 0 - 150% payment adjustment for bilateral procedures does NOT apply.
Physician Supervisions 09 - Concept does not apply.
Assistant Surgeon (80, 82) 1 - Statutory payment restriction for assistants at surgery applies to this procedure...
Co-Surgeons (62) 0 - Co-surgeons not permitted for this procedure.
Team Surgery (66) 0 - Team surgeons not permitted for this procedure.
Diagnostic Imaging Family 99 - Concept Does Not Apply
APC Status Indicator Discontinued Code
Type of Service (TOS) 2 - Surgery
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) none
MUE Not applicable/unspecified.
CCS Clinical Classification 54 - Other vascular catheterization, not heart
Date
Action
Notes
2013-01-01 Deleted Code deleted, see 37211-37214
2013-01-01 Changed Short and Medium Descriptors changed.
2006-01-01 Changed Code description changed.
1995-01-01 Added Code added
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