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Official Description

Percutaneous transcatheter closure of the left atrial appendage with endocardial implant, including fluoroscopy, transseptal puncture, catheter placement(s), left atrial angiography, left atrial appendage angiography, when performed, and radiological supervision and interpretation

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

Percutaneous transcatheter closure of the left atrial appendage (LAA) is a minimally invasive procedure designed to reduce the risk of thrombus formation and stroke in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) who are at high risk and for whom oral anticoagulation therapy is not suitable. The LAA is a small, pouch-like structure located in the left atrium of the heart, which can be a source of blood clots that may lead to strokes. The anatomy of the LAA can vary significantly among individuals, categorized into four distinct morphological types: the 'chicken wing' type, characterized by a bend in the proximal end of the dominant lobe; the 'windsock' type, which features a long main lobe exceeding 4 cm; the 'cauliflower' type, which has a limited length of less than 4 cm without forked lobes; and the 'cactus' type, which has a dominant central lobe with secondary extensions. The unique shape and size of the LAA, along with the patient's hemodynamic status and rhythm, play a crucial role in determining the appropriate endocardial implant device for closure. The procedure involves accessing the femoral vein, navigating through the heart using fluoroscopic guidance, and employing various catheters and guidewires to accurately position the implant within the LAA. This technique aims to effectively seal off the LAA, thereby minimizing the risk of stroke while avoiding the complications associated with long-term anticoagulation therapy.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The procedure of percutaneous transcatheter closure of the left atrial appendage (LAA) is indicated for patients who meet the following criteria:

  • Non-Valvular Atrial Fibrillation (NVAF) Patients diagnosed with NVAF who are at high risk for thrombus formation or stroke.
  • Contraindications to Oral Anticoagulation Patients for whom traditional oral anticoagulation therapy is contraindicated due to various reasons, such as bleeding risks or other medical conditions.

2. Procedure

The procedure involves several critical steps to ensure successful closure of the LAA:

  • Accessing the Femoral Vein A large needle is used to access the femoral vein, which is then replaced with a vascular sheath to facilitate the introduction of catheters and guidewires.
  • Guidewire Advancement A guidewire is threaded through the vascular sheath and advanced into the right atrium under fluoroscopic guidance, allowing for precise navigation within the heart.
  • Puncturing the Atrial Septum A catheter is inserted over the guidewire, and the atrial septum is punctured inferoposteriorly to gain access to the LAA.
  • Administration of Heparin A bolus of heparin is administered to prevent clot formation during the procedure.
  • Angiography of the LAA A pigtail catheter is advanced into the LAA, and angiography is performed to assess the anatomy of the LAA, ensuring proper visualization of its structure.
  • Guidewire Placement A J-tipped guidewire is advanced into the left upper pulmonary vein to facilitate the next steps of the procedure.
  • Delivery Cable Navigation A sheath containing a delivery cable is advanced into the LAA ostium, navigating it over the pigtail catheter until it is properly aligned within the LAA.
  • Verification of Implant Criteria The position, anchor, size, and seal (PASS) criteria are verified to ensure the selected endocardial implant will function effectively.
  • Release of the Endocardial Implant Once verified, the endocardial implant is released from the delivery cable, and a tug test is performed to confirm the filling of the LAA or sealing of the ostium.
  • Post-Release Angiography After the implant is released, angiography of the left atrium and/or LAA is performed to assess the placement and function of the device.
  • Device Adjustment The device is adjusted as necessary based on the angiographic findings to ensure optimal closure.
  • Removal of Catheters and Guidewires All catheters and guidewires are removed from the patient, and a purse-string suture may be placed around the vascular sheath prior to its removal to control any local bleeding.

3. Post-Procedure

After the procedure, patients are typically monitored for any complications and to ensure proper recovery. The expected recovery period may vary based on individual patient factors and the complexity of the procedure. Patients may require follow-up imaging to assess the position and function of the endocardial implant. Additionally, care should be taken to manage any potential bleeding at the access site and to monitor for signs of infection or other complications. The healthcare team will provide specific post-procedure care instructions tailored to the patient's needs.

Short Descr PERQ CLSR TCAT L ATR APNDGE
Medium Descr PERQ CLSR TCAT L ATR APNDGE W/ENDOCARDIAL IMPLNT
Long Descr Percutaneous transcatheter closure of the left atrial appendage with endocardial implant, including fluoroscopy, transseptal puncture, catheter placement(s), left atrial angiography, left atrial appendage angiography, when performed, and radiological supervision and interpretation
Status Code Active Code
Global Days 000 - Endoscopic or Minor Procedure
PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) 0 - Physician Service Code
Multiple Procedures (51) 2 - Standard payment adjustment rules for multiple procedures apply.
Bilateral Surgery (50) 0 - 150% payment adjustment for bilateral procedures does NOT apply.
Physician Supervisions 09 - Concept does not apply.
Assistant Surgeon (80, 82) 0 - Payment restriction for assistants at surgery applies to this procedure...
Co-Surgeons (62) 2 - Co-surgeons permitted and no documentation required if the two- specialty requirement is met.
Team Surgery (66) 1 - Team surgeons could be paid, though...
Diagnostic Imaging Family 99 - Concept Does Not Apply
APC Status Indicator Inpatient Procedures, not paid under OPPS
Type of Service (TOS) 2 - Surgery
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) P2F - Major procedure, cardiovascular-Other
MUE 1

This is a primary code that can be used with these additional add-on codes.

93662 Addon Code MPFS Status: Carrier Priced APC N PUB 100 CPT Assistant Article Intracardiac echocardiography during therapeutic/diagnostic intervention, including imaging supervision and interpretation (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
Q0 Investigational clinical service provided in a clinical research study that is in an approved clinical research study
62 Two surgeons: when 2 surgeons work together as primary surgeons performing distinct part(s) of a procedure, each surgeon should report his/her distinct operative work by adding modifier 62 to the procedure code and any associated add-on code(s) for that procedure as long as both surgeons continue to work together as primary surgeons. each surgeon should report the co-surgery once using the same procedure code. if additional procedure(s) (including add-on procedure(s) are performed during the same surgical session, separate code(s) may also be reported with modifier 62 added. note: if a co-surgeon acts as an assistant in the performance of additional procedure(s), other than those reported with the modifier 62, during the same surgical session, those services may be reported using separate procedure code(s) with modifier 80 or modifier 82 added, as appropriate.
GC This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician
51 Multiple procedures: when multiple procedures, other than e/m services, physical medicine and rehabilitation services or provision of supplies (eg, vaccines), are performed at the same session by the same individual, the primary procedure or service may be reported as listed. the additional procedure(s) or service(s) may be identified by appending modifier 51 to the additional procedure or service code(s). note: this modifier should not be appended to designated "add-on" codes (see appendix d).
Q1 Routine clinical service provided in a clinical research study that is in an approved clinical research study
53 Discontinued procedure: under certain circumstances, the physician or other qualified health care professional may elect to terminate a surgical or diagnostic procedure. due to extenuating circumstances or those that threaten the well being of the patient, it may be necessary to indicate that a surgical or diagnostic procedure was started but discontinued. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 53 to the code reported by the individual for the discontinued procedure. note: this modifier is not used to report the elective cancellation of a procedure prior to the patient's anesthesia induction and/or surgical preparation in the operating suite. for outpatient hospital/ambulatory surgery center (asc) reporting of a previously scheduled procedure/service that is partially reduced or cancelled as a result of extenuating circumstances or those that threaten the well being of the patient prior to or after administration of anesthesia, see modifiers 73 and 74 (see modifiers approved for asc hospital outpatient use).
80 Assistant surgeon: surgical assistant services may be identified by adding modifier 80 to the usual procedure number(s).
AQ Physician providing a service in an unlisted health professional shortage area (hpsa)
59 Distinct procedural service: under certain circumstances, it may be necessary to indicate that a procedure or service was distinct or independent from other non-e/m services performed on the same day. modifier 59 is used to identify procedures/services, other than e/m services, that are not normally reported together, but are appropriate under the circumstances. documentation must support a different session, different procedure or surgery, different site or organ system, separate incision/excision, separate lesion, or separate injury (or area of injury in extensive injuries) not ordinarily encountered or performed on the same day by the same individual. however, when another already established modifier is appropriate it should be used rather than modifier 59. only if no more descriptive modifier is available, and the use of modifier 59 best explains the circumstances, should modifier 59 be used. note: modifier 59 should not be appended to an e/m service. to report a separate and distinct e/m service with a non-e/m service performed on the same date, see modifier 25.
CR Catastrophe/disaster related
AO Alternate payment method declined by provider of service
22 Increased procedural services: when the work required to provide a service is substantially greater than typically required, it may be identified by adding modifier 22 to the usual procedure code. documentation must support the substantial additional work and the reason for the additional work (ie, increased intensity, time, technical difficulty of procedure, severity of patient's condition, physical and mental effort required). note: this modifier should not be appended to an e/m service.
79 Unrelated procedure or service by the same physician or other qualified health care professional during the postoperative period: the individual may need to indicate that the performance of a procedure or service during the postoperative period was unrelated to the original procedure. this circumstance may be reported by using modifier 79. (for repeat procedures on the same day, see modifier 76.)
KX Requirements specified in the medical policy have been met
52 Reduced services: under certain circumstances a service or procedure is partially reduced or eliminated at the discretion of the physician or other qualified health care professional. under these circumstances the service provided can be identified by its usual procedure number and the addition of modifier 52, signifying that the service is reduced. this provides a means of reporting reduced services without disturbing the identification of the basic service. note: for hospital outpatient reporting of a previously scheduled procedure/service that is partially reduced or cancelled as a result of extenuating circumstances or those that threaten the well-being of the patient prior to or after administration of anesthesia, see modifiers 73 and 74 (see modifiers approved for asc hospital outpatient use).
58 Staged or related procedure or service by the same physician or other qualified health care professional during the postoperative period: it may be necessary to indicate that the performance of a procedure or service during the postoperative period was: (a) planned or anticipated (staged); (b) more extensive than the original procedure; or (c) for therapy following a surgical procedure. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 58 to the staged or related procedure. note: for treatment of a problem that requires a return to the operating/procedure room (eg, unanticipated clinical condition), see modifier 78.
66 Surgical team: under some circumstances, highly complex procedures (requiring the concomitant services of several physicians or other qualified health care professionals, often of different specialties, plus other highly skilled, specially trained personnel, various types of complex equipment) are carried out under the "surgical team" concept. such circumstances may be identified by each participating individual with the addition of modifier 66 to the basic procedure number used for reporting services.
74 Discontinued out-patient hospital/ambulatory surgery center (asc) procedure after administration of anesthesia: due to extenuating circumstances or those that threaten the well being of the patient, the physician may terminate a surgical or diagnostic procedure after the administration of anesthesia (local, regional block(s), general) or after the procedure was started (incision made, intubation started, scope inserted, etc). under these circumstances, the procedure started but terminated can be reported by its usual procedure number and the addition of modifier 74. note: the elective cancellation of a service prior to the administration of anesthesia and/or surgical preparation of the patient should not be reported. for physician reporting of a discontinued procedure, see modifier 53.
76 Repeat procedure or service by same physician or other qualified health care professional: it may be necessary to indicate that a procedure or service was repeated by the same physician or other qualified health care professional subsequent to the original procedure or service. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 76 to the repeated procedure or service. note: this modifier should not be appended to an e/m service.
77 Repeat procedure by another physician or other qualified health care professional: it may be necessary to indicate that a basic procedure or service was repeated by another physician or other qualified health care professional subsequent to the original procedure or service. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 77 to the repeated procedure or service. note: this modifier should not be appended to an e/m service.
78 Unplanned return to the operating/procedure room by the same physician or other qualified health care professional following initial procedure for a related procedure during the postoperative period: it may be necessary to indicate that another procedure was performed during the postoperative period of the initial procedure (unplanned procedure following initial procedure). when this procedure is related to the first, and requires the use of an operating/procedure room, it may be reported by adding modifier 78 to the related procedure. (for repeat procedures, see modifier 76.)
82 Assistant surgeon (when qualified resident surgeon not available): the unavailability of a qualified resident surgeon is a prerequisite for use of modifier 82 appended to the usual procedure code number(s).
95 Synchronous telemedicine service rendered via a real-time interactive audio and video telecommunications system: synchronous telemedicine service is defined as a real-time interaction between a physician or other qualified health care professional and a patient who is located at a distant site from the physician or other qualified health care professional. the totality of the communication of information exchanged between the physician or other qualified health care professional and the patient during the course of the synchronous telemedicine service must be of an amount and nature that would be sufficient to meet the key components and/or requirements of the same service when rendered via a face-to-face interaction. modifier 95 may only be appended to the services listed in appendix p. appendix p is the list of cpt codes for services that are typically performed face-to-face, but may be rendered via a real-time (synchronous) interactive audio and video telecommunications system.
AS Physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or clinical nurse specialist services for assistant at surgery
ET Emergency services
GA Waiver of liability statement issued as required by payer policy, individual case
GV Attending physician not employed or paid under arrangement by the patient's hospice provider
GW Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition
GY Item or service statutorily excluded, does not meet the definition of any medicare benefit or, for non-medicare insurers, is not a contract benefit
GZ Item or service expected to be denied as not reasonable and necessary
LT Left side (used to identify procedures performed on the left side of the body)
MS Six month maintenance and servicing fee for reasonable and necessary parts and labor which are not covered under any manufacturer or supplier warranty
PD Diagnostic or related non diagnostic item or service provided in a wholly owned or operated entity to a patient who is admitted as an inpatient within 3 days
Q5 Service furnished under a reciprocal billing arrangement by a substitute physician or by a substitute physical therapist furnishing outpatient physical therapy services in a health professional shortage area, a medically underserved area, or a rural area
XE Separate encounter, a service that is distinct because it occurred during a separate encounter
XP Separate practitioner, a service that is distinct because it was performed by a different practitioner
XS Separate structure, a service that is distinct because it was performed on a separate organ/structure
XU Unusual non-overlapping service, the use of a service that is distinct because it does not overlap usual components of the main service
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2017-01-01 Added Added
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