CPT® Code 76989

Intraoperative epicardial cardiac ultrasound (ie, echocardiography) for congenital heart disease, diagnostic; interpretation and report only

The CPT® Code 76989 refers to the procedure of intraoperative epicardial cardiac ultrasound, specifically for diagnostic purposes related to congenital heart disease. This procedure involves the use of an intraoperative epicardial ultrasound probe, which is a specialized device designed to provide high-resolution imaging of the heart's structures during surgical interventions. The ultrasound is performed while the patient is undergoing cardiac surgery, such as during cardiopulmonary bypass grafting. The primary goal of this procedure is to assess the condition of the coronary arteries, determining which arteries may require bypass grafting based on the ultrasound findings. The ultrasound probe is typically inserted into a sterile sheath that is filled with saline or ultrasound transmission gel, ensuring that no air is present, which could interfere with the imaging quality. Once positioned in the opened surgical field, the probe allows for a detailed examination of the surface anatomy of the native and diseased coronary arteries. This information is crucial for creating an optimized surgical plan for graft targets. During the procedure, a probe operator may handle the insertion and maneuvering of the ultrasound probe over the heart's surface, while an echocardiographer is responsible for evaluating the images produced and communicating important observations to the cardiac surgeon. In some cases, a single echocardiographer may perform both roles, ensuring that the surgical team has immediate access to critical diagnostic information. Upon completion of the ultrasound scan, the probe is carefully removed from the surgical field, concluding the intraoperative assessment.