CPT® Code 92973

Add-On Code

The CPT® Code 92973 refers to the procedure known as percutaneous transluminal coronary thrombectomy, which is a mechanical method used to remove a thrombus (blood clot) from a coronary artery. This procedure is performed using various types of thrombectomy devices, each designed to effectively extract or disrupt the thrombus. The common types of devices include extraction devices, aspiration devices, saline jet devices, cutter devices, and laser devices. During the procedure, a guidewire is first placed in the coronary artery through cardiac catheterization. The thrombectomy device is then advanced over this guidewire and positioned near the thrombus. For mechanical thrombectomy, the extraction device is maneuvered to a location distal to the thrombus, activated, and then pulled back across the thrombus to extract it. Alternatively, an aspiration device utilizes suction to remove the thrombus, while a saline jet device employs a double lumen catheter to flush the thrombus with high-pressure saline and simultaneously suction the debris. The mechanical cutter device operates by using a blade to break up the thrombus while suctioning the resulting debris into a vacuum bottle. The laser device also serves to fragment the thrombus, which is then suctioned from the artery. Following the successful removal of the thrombus, the physician may proceed with additional therapeutic interventions, such as angioplasty, atherectomy, or stenting, which are separately reportable procedures aimed at treating any resulting coronary artery stenosis.