34151 Removal of artery clot
Also known as: tibial thrombectomy, infrapopliteal thrombectomy, below-knee clot removal
Removal of an arterial thrombus or embolus from the tibioperoneal or infrapopliteal arteries. Surgical extraction of blood clot from below-knee vessels.
In Plain Language
removing blood clot from calf artery; clearing blockage below knee
Clinical Context
Performed for acute tibial/peroneal artery thrombosis causing acute limb ischemia. Often combined with angiography and may require lysis.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 25.86 |
| Total RVU | 25.86 |
Est. Medicare Payment
National estimate based on 2026 CMS PFS Conversion Factor ($33.40). Actual payment varies by locality (GPCI adjustment).
Billing & Documentation
As a surgical CPT code, proper documentation must include the operative report detailing the procedure performed, patient positioning, approach, findings, and any complications. This code has a 90-day global period, which includes the day of the procedure, 1 day preoperative, and 90 days of postoperative care. Ensure the diagnosis code (ICD-10) supports medical necessity for the procedure.
How This Code Compares
With a work RVU of 25.86, this code ranks in the 90th percentile among Surgery codes — 3.2x the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 34151?
CPT 34151 (Removal of artery clot) is a Surgery code. Removal of an arterial thrombus or embolus from the tibioperoneal or infrapopliteal arteries. Surgical extraction of blood clot from below-knee vessels.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 34151?
The work RVU for CPT 34151 is 25.86. This code is primarily used by Vascular Surgery, Cardiovascular Surgery. It has a 90-day global period.
When is CPT 34151 used?
Performed for acute tibial/peroneal artery thrombosis causing acute limb ischemia. Often combined with angiography and may require lysis.
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CPT® is a registered trademark of the American Medical Association. Data sourced from CMS Physician Fee Schedule RVU26A. Descriptions, synonyms, and clinical context are original content by RVU Edge.