CPT® Code 75743

Pulmonary angiography is a specialized vascular imaging procedure designed to assess blood flow within the lungs. This technique is crucial for evaluating the condition of the pulmonary vasculature, which includes the arteries and veins responsible for transporting blood to and from the lungs. The primary purpose of this procedure is to visualize the integrity of the vessel walls, allowing for the diagnosis of various vascular abnormalities such as narrowing (stenosis) or blockages (embolism) that can impede blood flow. Additionally, pulmonary angiography is instrumental in identifying and treating conditions like embolisms, arteriovenous malformations, pseudoaneurysms, and cavitary or inflammatory lung lesions. It can also 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. During the procedure, a large bore needle is typically inserted into a blood vessel located in the groin or neck. A guidewire is then introduced through the needle, followed by the advancement of a catheter over the guidewire. This catheter is carefully navigated through the right side of the heart and into the main pulmonary artery, all under imaging guidance to ensure precision. In a nonselective pulmonary angiography study, 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 from the main pulmonary artery, reaching the smaller lobar or segmental branches of the pulmonary vasculature. Following the injection of dye in a selective study, images are captured and analyzed in real time, providing detailed insights into the pulmonary circulation. The procedure encompasses the radiologist's supervision, interpretation of the findings, and the generation of a written report, which may include consultations with referring physicians regarding the diagnosis and potential need for further testing or interventions.