CPT® Code 75741

Pulmonary angiography is a specialized vascular imaging procedure designed to assess blood flow within the lungs. This technique is particularly valuable for visualizing the condition of the pulmonary vessels, allowing healthcare professionals to identify potential issues such as vessel wall integrity, narrowing (stenosis), or blockages (embolism). The procedure is instrumental in diagnosing various pulmonary conditions, including embolisms, arteriovenous malformations, pseudoaneurysms, and cavitary or inflammatory lung lesions. Additionally, it can be utilized to retrieve foreign objects, such as catheter fragments or inferior vena cava filters, that may pose a risk to the patient’s health. The process involves the insertion of a large bore needle into a blood vessel, typically located in the groin or neck, followed by the introduction of a guidewire. A catheter is then advanced over this guidewire, navigating through the right side of the heart and into the main pulmonary artery, all under imaging guidance. In a nonselective pulmonary angiography study, the contrast dye is injected into the main pulmonary artery, allowing for real-time observation of blood flow. In contrast, a selective study involves advancing the catheter into the right and/or left arteries that branch off the main pulmonary artery, reaching the smaller lobar or segmental branches of the pulmonary vasculature. This selective approach enables a more detailed examination of the pulmonary circulation. The procedure encompasses the radiologist's supervision, interpretation of the angiographic findings, the generation of a written report, and any necessary consultations with referring physicians regarding the diagnosis and potential need for further testing or interventions.