CPT® Code 93587

Add-On Code

Venography for congenital heart defect(s), including catheter placement, and radiological supervision and interpretation; venovenous collaterals originating at or above the heart (eg, from innominate vein) (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)

This procedure, identified by CPT® Code 93587, refers to a specialized venography performed specifically for patients with congenital heart defects. The primary aim of this procedure is to visualize and assess venovenous collaterals that originate at or above the heart, such as those from the innominate vein. Venovenous collaterals are abnormal blood vessels that can develop in response to congenital heart conditions, particularly in patients who have undergone surgical interventions like the Fontan procedure. This procedure connects the right atrium, which collects deoxygenated blood from the body, directly to the pulmonary artery, allowing for reoxygenation of the blood. In patients with congenital heart defects, these collaterals can enlarge and provide a pathway for deoxygenated blood to bypass the lungs, leading to inadequate oxygenation of the blood circulating throughout the body. The venography is performed during a primary diagnostic cardiac catheterization, where a guide catheter is inserted through a venous access sheath and advanced into the heart. The procedure involves injecting contrast material to obtain detailed images of the venovenous collaterals, which helps in understanding their anatomy and planning for potential interventions, such as embolization, to occlude these abnormal pathways. This procedure is critical for managing the complications associated with congenital heart defects and ensuring proper blood flow dynamics in affected patients.