CPT® Code 75956

Endovascular repair of descending thoracic aorta (eg, aneurysm, pseudoaneurysm, dissection, penetrating ulcer, intramural hematoma, or traumatic disruption); involving coverage of left subclavian artery origin, initial endoprosthesis plus descending thoracic aortic extension(s), if required, to level of celiac artery origin, radiological supervision and interpretation

The CPT® Code 75956 refers to the endovascular repair of the descending thoracic aorta, which is a critical procedure performed to address various vascular conditions. This procedure is specifically indicated for conditions such as aneurysms, pseudoaneurysms, dissections, penetrating ulcers, intramural hematomas, or traumatic disruptions of the aorta. The endovascular approach involves the placement of an endoprosthesis, which is a type of stent graft, to reinforce the aorta and restore normal blood flow. In this particular code, the procedure includes the coverage of the left subclavian artery origin, which is a significant anatomical consideration during the repair. The intervention may also involve the use of descending thoracic aortic extensions, if necessary, to reach the level of the celiac artery origin. During the procedure, radiological supervision and interpretation play a vital role. This includes performing angiography of the aorta and its branches prior to the deployment of the endovascular prosthesis, ensuring that the anatomy is well understood and that the prosthesis can be accurately placed. Fluoroscopic guidance is utilized throughout the procedure to assist in the precise placement of guidewires, catheters, and the endovascular prosthesis itself. Additionally, intraprocedural angiography is conducted to confirm the correct positioning of the prosthesis, detect any potential endoleaks, and evaluate the blood flow in the aorta. A post-deployment angiogram is also performed to assess the position of the prosthesis, check for endoleaks, and verify the patency of the aorta following the repair. The physician is responsible for providing a comprehensive written interpretation of all imaging conducted during the procedure, ensuring that all aspects of the intervention are documented and evaluated thoroughly.