CPT® Code 49405

Image-guided fluid collection drainage by catheter (eg, abscess, hematoma, seroma, lymphocele, cyst); visceral (eg, kidney, liver, spleen, lung/mediastinum), percutaneous

The CPT® Code 49405 refers to the procedure of image-guided fluid collection drainage by catheter, specifically targeting visceral fluid collections such as abscesses, hematomas, seromas, lymphoceles, or cysts. This procedure is performed percutaneously, meaning that it is done through the skin, and is guided by imaging techniques such as fluoroscopy, ultrasound, or computed tomography (CT). The physician identifies the fluid collection within various organs, including the kidney, liver, spleen, or lung, and accesses the fluid-filled cavity through a catheter and sheath. This method allows for precise localization and drainage of the fluid, which may be necessary for conditions affecting the digestive, respiratory, urogenital, or endocrine systems, as well as the spleen, heart, or major blood vessels. The procedure involves the introduction of a catheter into the cavity containing the fluid, enabling the physician to drain the fluid effectively. In some cases, the cavity may be flushed with sterile saline or an antibiotic solution to ensure thorough cleaning of the site. Depending on the clinical situation, the catheter may either be removed after the procedure or left in place for ongoing drainage. The process begins with needle access and imaging confirmation, followed by the advancement of a wire and dilator to facilitate the placement of the drainage catheter into the fluid collection.