Cardiology Question for the Week of June 17, 2024

Question:

What is the primary use of Code 36160, and why is translumbar access often required for this procedure?

Answer:

Code 36160 is assigned for access and injection of contrast from a needle or catheter placed through the back directly into the aorta. It is primarily used for evaluation of patients with an aortic aneurysm stent graft when there is concern for endoleak (continued filling of the aneurysm). Since a normal catheterization and injection from within the stent graft in the aorta would not show filling of the aneurysm outside of the stent graft, a translumbar access is frequently required. The injection of contrast would then show the area of the aorta and aneurysm that is outside of the stent graft.

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