How To Use CPT Code 34702

CPT 34702 describes the endovascular repair of the infrarenal aorta using an aorto-aortic tube endograft. This article will cover the description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 34702?

CPT 34702 is used to describe the endovascular repair of the infrarenal aorta by deploying an aorto-aortic tube endograft. This procedure involves pre-procedure sizing and device selection, nonselective catheterization, radiological supervision and interpretation, endograft extensions in the aorta from the renal arteries to the aortic bifurcation, and angioplasty/stenting from the renal arteries to the aortic bifurcation. It is typically performed for conditions such as aneurysms, pseudoaneurysms, dissections, penetrating ulcers, traumatic disruptions, or ruptures of the infrarenal aorta.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 34702 is: ‘Endovascular repair of infrarenal aorta by deployment of an aorto-aortic tube endograft including pre-procedure sizing and device selection, all nonselective catheterization(s), all associated radiological supervision and interpretation, all endograft extension(s) placed in the aorta from the level of the renal arteries to the aortic bifurcation, and all angioplasty/stenting performed from the level of the renal arteries to the aortic bifurcation; for rupture including temporary aortic and/or iliac balloon occlusion, when performed (eg, for aneurysm, pseudoaneurysm, dissection, penetrating ulcer, traumatic disruption)’

3. Procedure

1. The provider begins by making an incision in the groin and dissecting down through the tissues to expose the infrarenal aorta and iliac arteries.
2. If necessary, the provider may perform temporary aortic and/or iliac balloon occlusion by expanding a balloon inserted through a catheter to beyond the ruptured area.
3. Under imaging guidance, the provider threads a catheter all the way to the rupture in the aorta.
4. The provider then guides a tube endograft through the catheter and across the tear in the aortic wall, ensuring that it extends into healthy areas on both sides of the rupture.
5. If the tube endograft is not long enough, the provider may add extensions between the renal arteries and the aortic bifurcation.
6. Angioplasty or stenting may be performed to open up or widen the lumen of the aorta.
7. The provider withdraws the catheter, checks for bleeding, and closes all incisions.