Via the right common femoral artery: Aortic arch angiography: Selective angiography of the left common carotid artery with follow through imaging of his intracerebral vessels, placement of distal protection, cutting balloon atherectomy, and balloon angioplasty of the left internal carotid artery stent.

A 6-French sheath was placed in the right common femoral artery under ultrasound control. A 5-French pigtail catheter was brought to the level of the aortic arch at which time digital subtraction angiography was performed of the arch and the vessels. The diagnostic catheter was then exchanged for a VTK catheter, which was selectively placed in the left common carotid artery. Angiograms were performed of the internal and external carotid systems and the intracerebral vessels. Heparin was administered. The diagnostic catheters were exchanged for a 90 mm long Cook sheath, which was placed in the left common carotid artery. A 6 mm Angioguard was placed in the distal left internal carotid artery. Cutting balloon atherectomy was then performed with a 3.75 x 12 mm Wolverine. Balloon angioplasty was then performed with a non-compliant 5 mm x 15 mm NC Emerge[/B]. Final angiograms were performed. Angioguard was retriedved. Arterial sheath was removed and excellent hemostasis obtained with a Perclose device.

Can anything still be billed even though balloon was not deployed? Thank you for any help you can give on billing this procedure.