CPT® Code 61703

Surgery of intracranial aneurysm, cervical approach by application of occluding clamp to cervical carotid artery (Selverstone-Crutchfield type)

An intracranial aneurysm, also referred to as a cerebral or intracerebral aneurysm, is characterized by a weakened area in the wall of a blood vessel within the brain that expands and fills with blood. This condition can lead to significant complications, including pressure on adjacent brain tissue, which may result in pain and neurological deficits. Furthermore, there is a risk of rupture, which can lead to an intracranial hemorrhage, a serious medical emergency. Intracranial aneurysms can be either congenital, meaning they are present at birth, or acquired, developing over time due to various factors. The procedure described by CPT® Code 61703 involves the surgical occlusion of an aneurysm that is supplied by the cervical carotid artery. This is achieved through the application of a Selverstone-Crutchfield type clamp via a cervical approach. The surgical intervention begins with an incision made on the side of the neck, specifically over the proximal aspect of the internal carotid artery that supplies blood to the aneurysm. The surgeon carefully dissects the artery from the surrounding tissues and applies an adjustable clamp around it to achieve partial occlusion. This partial occlusion is crucial as it promotes the thickening of the arterial walls and encourages clotting within the aneurysmal sac, thereby mitigating the risk of the aneurysm enlarging or rupturing. The unique design of the Selverstone-Crutchfield clamp allows for postoperative adjustments, as a tightening device extends to the skin surface, enabling the surgeon to modify the level of occlusion as needed. Once the desired occlusion is achieved, the surrounding tissues are meticulously closed in layers around the tightening device, ensuring proper healing and stability of the surgical site.