CPT® Code 37248

Transluminal balloon angioplasty (except dialysis circuit), open or percutaneous, including all imaging and radiological supervision and interpretation necessary to perform the angioplasty within the same vein; initial vein

Transluminal balloon angioplasty is a specialized endovascular procedure designed to treat narrowing or obstruction in veins. This technique employs fluoroscopy, a type of medical imaging that allows real-time visualization of the veins during the procedure. The process begins with accessing the targeted vein, which can be done either percutaneously or through an open surgical approach. In the percutaneous method, a needle is inserted through the skin into a blood vessel located in the groin, arm, or neck. A guidewire is then threaded through this needle, and the needle is replaced with a vascular sheath to facilitate the introduction of other instruments. Conversely, the open access method involves making an incision directly over the vessel to gain access. Once the vein is accessed, a vascular catheter is introduced over the guidewire, and contrast dye is injected to enhance the visibility of the vein and to identify any areas of narrowing or disease. Following this, a balloon catheter is inserted and advanced to the site of the obstruction. The balloon is inflated with a dilute contrast dye, which serves to expand the narrowed section of the vein for a specified duration. After the inflation period, the balloon is deflated and removed. To confirm the success of the procedure, a vascular catheter is reinserted, and angiography is performed again to assess whether the vein has been adequately opened and to check for any residual stenosis that may require further intervention. The CPT® Code 37248 specifically reports the performance of balloon angioplasty on the initial vein, excluding procedures performed on dialysis circuits, and encompasses all necessary imaging and radiological supervision and interpretation conducted during the procedure.