CPT® Code 37253

Add-On Code

Intravascular ultrasound (noncoronary vessel) during diagnostic evaluation and/or therapeutic intervention, including radiological supervision and interpretation; each additional noncoronary vessel (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)

Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) is a specialized imaging technique used to visualize the interior of blood vessels, specifically non-coronary vessels, during diagnostic evaluations and therapeutic interventions. This procedure provides a detailed cross-sectional view of the vessel, allowing healthcare professionals to assess the structure and condition of the vessel walls and the lumen through which blood flows. The IVUS technique involves the use of a catheter equipped with a miniaturized transducer that emits ultrasound waves. These waves create images that reveal the various layers of the blood vessel, including the outer covering known as the adventitia, the middle layer called the media, and the inner endothelial layer referred to as the intima. The open channel through which blood circulates is also visualized, providing critical information for diagnosis and treatment planning. During the procedure, the IVUS catheter is carefully advanced over a guidewire to the specific site that requires evaluation. The radiological supervision and interpretation of the ultrasound images are integral components of the procedure, ensuring that the findings are accurately documented in a written report. It is important to note that CPT® Code 37252 is utilized for the initial vessel evaluated with IVUS, while CPT® Code 37253 is designated for each additional non-coronary vessel assessed during the same session.