CPT® Code 64469

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 placement of a local anesthetic within the fascial planes of the thoracic region, which are anatomical spaces that contain nerves and blood vessels. The use of continuous ultrasound guidance is a critical component of this procedure, as it allows the healthcare provider to visualize the target area in real-time. During the procedure, a transducer is positioned 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 to ensure the correct positioning of the needle before the anesthetic is administered. This technique creates a visual halo around the needle tip, confirming that it is situated in the appropriate fascial plane, thereby minimizing the risk of intramuscular injection. The procedure can be performed bilaterally, meaning it can be applied to both sides of the thorax, and is reported using CPT® Code 64469 when a continuous infusion of local anesthetic is administered bilaterally, taking into account the maximum safe dosage for the patient.