CPT® Code 64468

A thoracic fascial plane block is a medical procedure designed to alleviate post-operative pain, particularly following chest surgery, while also aiming to reduce the reliance on opioid medications for pain management. This procedure involves the precise injection of a local anesthetic into the thoracic fascial plane, which is a specific anatomical area within the chest wall. The use of continuous ultrasound guidance is a critical component of this procedure, as it allows the healthcare provider to visualize the target area accurately. During the procedure, a transducer is placed over the designated site to identify the relevant anatomical structures and layers of the chest wall. Hydrodissection, a technique that involves the injection of saline, is employed as a safety measure to ensure the correct positioning of the needle before the anesthetic is administered. This technique creates a halo effect around the needle tip, enhancing visibility and confirming that the needle is in the appropriate space, thereby minimizing the risk of intramuscular injection. The thoracic fascial plane block can be performed bilaterally, meaning that injections are administered on both sides of the chest, which is indicated by the CPT® Code 64468. This code is specifically used when the block is injected bilaterally, while other codes are designated for different methods of administration, such as continuous infusion through a catheter.