CPT® Code 92980

Deleted

Transcatheter placement of an intracoronary stent(s), percutaneous, with or without other therapeutic intervention, any method; single vessel

The procedure described by CPT® Code 92980 involves the transcatheter placement of an intracoronary stent within a narrowed blood vessel in the heart, which is performed percutaneously. This means that the procedure is conducted through the skin, typically using a small incision. The primary goal of this intervention is to enhance blood flow through the affected coronary artery, which may be narrowed due to conditions such as atherosclerosis. A stent is a small, mesh-like tube that is inserted into the artery to keep it open and maintain adequate blood flow. The process begins with the insertion of a needle into the femoral artery, followed by the placement of a guidewire through the needle into the artery. Once the guidewire is in place, the needle is removed, and a cardiac catheter is threaded over the guidewire and advanced toward the heart. In some cases, a small incision may be made in the skin and subcutaneous tissue to facilitate the insertion of the larger catheter. Fluoroscopy or ultrasound imaging is often utilized to guide the catheter to the precise location of the stenosis, which is the narrowed area of the artery. Prior to the placement of the stent, additional procedures such as balloon angioplasty or atherectomy may be performed to prepare the site for stent insertion. Once the stent is positioned correctly, it is released and affixed to the vessel wall, ensuring that the artery remains open. It is important to note that more than one stent may be placed within a single coronary vessel during this procedure, depending on the extent of the blockage.