Name of the Procedure:

Injection of abciximab, 10 mg (HCPCS Code: J0130)

Common Names:

• Abciximab Injection
• ReoPro Injection

Summary

Abciximab injection is a medical procedure where a drug called abciximab is administered to a patient intravenously. Abciximab is an antiplatelet medication that helps prevent blood clots during certain heart-related procedures.

Purpose

Abciximab injection is used to decrease the risk of blood clots forming during procedures like angioplasty, which is used to open narrowed blood vessels. The goal is to maintain healthy blood flow and prevent potential complications such as heart attacks.

Indications

• Patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).
• Those at high risk of developing blood clots during heart-related surgical procedures.
• Individuals experiencing unstable angina that is not responsive to other treatments.

Preparation

• Patients may be required to fast several hours before the procedure.
• Certain medications like blood thinners may need to be adjusted or stopped.
• Diagnostic tests such as blood work to check clotting factors and kidney function might be conducted beforehand.

Procedure Description

1. The patient is positioned comfortably, and an intravenous (IV) line is established.
2. Abciximab is prepared in a specific dosage (10 mg) for IV administration.
3. The drug is slowly injected into the IV line over a specified period.

4. The patient is monitored for any immediate reactions, and vital signs are closely observed.

   Tools and Equipment:

   • IV catheter
   • Syringe with a 10 mg dose of abciximab

Anesthesia or Sedation:

• Usually, no general anesthesia or sedation is necessary, but local anesthesia may be applied at the IV insertion site if required.

Duration

The injection process typically takes 30 minutes to 1 hour, including preparation and monitoring time.

Setting

• Hospital
• Outpatient cardiac clinic

Personnel

• Cardiologist or Interventional Cardiologist
• Registered Nurse (RN)
• Medical Technician for support

Risks and Complications

• Common Risks: Minor bleeding or bruising at the IV site.
• Rare Risks: Serious bleeding, allergic reactions, thrombocytopenia (low platelet count), hypotension (low blood pressure), or anaphylaxis.

Benefits

• Reduces the risk of heart attacks and other complications during and after heart procedures.
• Improves blood flow and patient outcomes during angioplasty and related procedures.
• Benefits are usually seen immediately after the procedure, with risk reduction continuing through the recovery process.

Recovery

• Monitor for signs of bleeding or allergic reaction for several hours post-injection.
• Patients are advised to avoid strenuous activities for at least 24 hours.
• Follow-up appointments with the cardiologist to assess treatment efficacy and manage any side effects.

Alternatives

• Other antiplatelet medications, such as clopidogrel or ticagrelor.
• Non-medical interventions like lifestyle changes and diet modifications.
• Pros and Cons: Alternative medications may be less effective in high-risk angioplasty cases, while non-medical interventions are more preventive and require long-term commitment.

Patient Experience

During the procedure:

• Mild discomfort at IV insertion site, if any.
• A sensation of the fluid going through the IV line.

After the procedure:

• Close monitoring for any adverse reactions.
• Mild to moderate bruising and hematoma at the IV site, if insertion was challenging.
• Pain management includes over-the-counter pain relievers and careful monitoring to ensure patient comfort.