37605 Ligation int/com carotid artery
Also known as: ICA ligation, CCA ligation, Internal carotid tie
Surgical ligation of the internal or common carotid artery without occlusion, used for major hemorrhage control or vascular lesion management.
In Plain Language
Tying main neck artery; Carotid vessel surgery
Clinical Context
Used in severe head and neck trauma with uncontrollable hemorrhage, large arteriovenous fistulas, or as treatment for giant intracranial aneurysms.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 13.92 |
| Total RVU | 13.92 |
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 13.92, this code ranks in the 70th percentile among Surgery codes — 1.7x the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 37605?
CPT 37605 (Ligation int/com carotid artery) is a Surgery code. Surgical ligation of the internal or common carotid artery without occlusion, used for major hemorrhage control or vascular lesion management.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 37605?
The work RVU for CPT 37605 is 13.92. This code is primarily used by Vascular Surgery, Neurosurgery, Trauma Surgery. It has a 90-day global period.
When is CPT 37605 used?
Used in severe head and neck trauma with uncontrollable hemorrhage, large arteriovenous fistulas, or as treatment for giant intracranial aneurysms.
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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.