CPT® Code 76984

Ultrasound, intraoperative thoracic aorta (e.g., epiaortic), diagnostic, commonly referred to as epiaortic ultrasound (EAU), is a specialized imaging technique utilized during cardiovascular surgeries. This procedure is essential for identifying potential atherosclerotic lesions or tears in the thoracic aorta that may not be detectable through other diagnostic methods. The use of high-frequency transthoracic or epivascular probes allows for real-time imaging of the aorta, providing critical information to the surgical team. The procedure is performed in a sterile environment, where the ultrasound probe is inserted into a sterile sheath filled with saline or ultrasound transmission gel, ensuring that all air is removed to optimize imaging quality. In some cases, the chest cavity may be filled with body-temperature sterile saline to enhance the clarity of the ultrasound images. The scanning process involves examining the anterior, posterior, left, and right aspects of the aorta for signs of atherosclerosis or calcification, which are significant risk factors for intraoperative stroke. In emergency situations, the EAU probe can also be employed to detect ruptures in the aorta, allowing for immediate intervention. Throughout the procedure, a probe operator maneuvers the ultrasound probe over the aorta while an echocardiographer captures and evaluates the images, providing real-time feedback to the cardiac surgeon. Once the imaging is complete, the probe is carefully removed from the surgical field, concluding the intraoperative assessment.