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Official Description

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR/TAVI) with prosthetic valve; open iliac artery approach

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR/TAVI) is a minimally invasive procedure designed to replace a diseased aortic valve in patients suffering from symptomatic aortic stenosis. This condition occurs when the aortic valve narrows, restricting blood flow from the heart to the rest of the body, which can lead to serious health complications. TAVR/TAVI serves as an alternative to traditional open-heart surgery for aortic valve replacement, offering a less invasive option that can be performed through various access points, including the open iliac artery approach. The procedure involves the use of advanced catheter-based techniques, allowing for the implantation of a prosthetic valve without the need for extensive surgical intervention. During the procedure, various imaging techniques, such as transthoracic echocardiography, are utilized to assess the aortic valve's size and function, ensuring proper placement of the new valve. The use of multiple catheters and fluoroscopic guidance is critical in navigating the vascular system and accurately positioning the prosthetic valve within the heart. Overall, TAVR/TAVI represents a significant advancement in the treatment of aortic stenosis, providing patients with a viable option to improve their quality of life and reduce the risks associated with more invasive surgical procedures.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR/TAVI) is indicated for patients who exhibit symptoms of aortic stenosis, which may include shortness of breath, chest pain, or fatigue. The procedure is typically recommended for individuals who are at high risk for complications from traditional open-heart surgery or those who are considered inoperable due to other medical conditions.

  • Symptomatic Aortic Stenosis Patients presenting with symptoms such as dyspnea, angina, or syncope due to narrowing of the aortic valve.
  • High Surgical Risk Individuals who are at increased risk for complications from conventional surgical aortic valve replacement due to comorbidities or advanced age.
  • Inoperable Patients Those who are not candidates for open-heart surgery due to severe health issues or anatomical considerations.

2. Procedure

The transcatheter aortic valve replacement procedure via the open iliac artery approach involves several critical steps to ensure successful implantation of the prosthetic valve. Initially, pulmonary and radial artery catheters may be inserted for hemodynamic monitoring, providing essential data throughout the procedure. Transthoracic echocardiography is performed to confirm the diameter of the aortic valve, which is crucial for selecting the appropriate size of the prosthetic valve. In some cases, transesophageal echocardiography may be utilized as a separate reportable procedure for more detailed imaging.

  • Step 1: The procedure begins with the placement of a reference pigtail catheter via a separate arterial access site, which is done percutaneously under fluoroscopic guidance. A root aortogram is performed to visualize the aorta and assess the anatomy.
  • Step 2: A balloon catheter is then advanced from the access site to the aortic valve. This balloon is inflated to dilate the stenotic valve, creating sufficient space for the prosthetic valve to be placed.
  • Step 3: The skin over the access artery is prepped, and electrocautery is used to dissect the subcutaneous tissue down to the fascia. Sharp dissection is performed to expose the femoral, axillary, or iliac artery.
  • Step 4: Once the vessel is exposed, an 18-gauge needle is inserted into the artery, and the Seldinger technique is employed to insert a sheath, which is advanced from the access artery into the aorta.
  • Step 5: A guidewire is then inserted and advanced through the aorta to the aortic valve, providing a pathway for the catheter containing the compressed aortic valve.
  • Step 6: The catheter with the compressed valve is advanced over the guidewire to the aortic valve. Rapid right ventricular pacing is utilized during the placement of the valve to facilitate proper deployment.
  • Step 7: The compressed valve is positioned within the native diseased aortic valve and deployed. Following deployment, the valve cage is removed.
  • Step 8: A balloon tip catheter is positioned within the newly placed prosthetic valve, and the balloon is inflated to ensure proper seating of the aortic valve.
  • Step 9: Contrast is injected, and completion angiography is performed to confirm that the valve is functioning correctly.
  • Step 10: Finally, all catheters are removed, and the vascular access site in the femoral, axillary, or iliac artery is repaired with sutures. Pressure is applied to other vascular access sites, and pressure dressings are applied to ensure hemostasis.

3. Post-Procedure

After the transcatheter aortic valve replacement procedure, patients are typically monitored closely for any complications. Expected recovery includes observation for signs of bleeding or infection at the vascular access site. Patients may experience some discomfort or pain, which can be managed with appropriate analgesics. Follow-up echocardiography may be performed to assess the function of the newly implanted valve. It is essential for patients to adhere to post-procedure care instructions, including activity restrictions and medication management, to ensure optimal recovery and valve function.

Short Descr REPLACE AORTIC VALVE OPEN
Medium Descr REPLACE AORTIC VALVE OPEN ILIAC ARTERY APPROACH
Long Descr Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR/TAVI) with prosthetic valve; open iliac artery approach
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
CCS Clinical Classification 43 - Heart valve procedures

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

33367 Addon Code MPFS Status: Active Code APC C Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR/TAVI) with prosthetic valve; cardiopulmonary bypass support with percutaneous peripheral arterial and venous cannulation (eg, femoral vessels) (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
33368 Addon Code MPFS Status: Active Code APC C Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR/TAVI) with prosthetic valve; cardiopulmonary bypass support with open peripheral arterial and venous cannulation (eg, femoral, iliac, axillary vessels) (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
33369 Addon Code MPFS Status: Active Code APC C Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR/TAVI) with prosthetic valve; cardiopulmonary bypass support with central arterial and venous cannulation (eg, aorta, right atrium, pulmonary artery) (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
33370 Add-on Code MPFS Status: Active Code APC N Transcatheter placement and subsequent removal of cerebral embolic protection device(s), including arterial access, catheterization, imaging, and radiological supervision and interpretation, percutaneous (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
37252 Addon Code MPFS Status: Active Code APC N ASC N1 Intravascular ultrasound (noncoronary vessel) during diagnostic evaluation and/or therapeutic intervention, including radiological supervision and interpretation; initial noncoronary vessel (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
37253 Addon Code MPFS Status: Active Code APC N ASC N1 Intravascular ultrasound (noncoronary vessel) during diagnostic evaluation and/or therapeutic intervention, including radiological supervision and interpretation; each additional noncoronary vessel (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
93568 Addon Code MPFS Status: Active Code APC N ASC N1 Injection procedure during cardiac catheterization including imaging supervision, interpretation, and report; for nonselective pulmonary arterial angiography (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
93569 Add-on Code MPFS Status: Active Code APC N Injection procedure during cardiac catheterization including imaging supervision, interpretation, and report; for selective pulmonary arterial angiography, unilateral (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
93573 Add-on Code Resequenced Code MPFS Status: Active Code APC N Injection procedure during cardiac catheterization including imaging supervision, interpretation, and report; for selective pulmonary arterial angiography, bilateral (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
93574 Add-on Code Resequenced Code MPFS Status: Active Code APC N Injection procedure during cardiac catheterization including imaging supervision, interpretation, and report; for selective pulmonary venous angiography of each distinct pulmonary vein during cardiac catheterization (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
93575 Add-on Code Resequenced Code MPFS Status: Active Code APC N Injection procedure during cardiac catheterization including imaging supervision, interpretation, and report; for selective pulmonary angiography of major aortopulmonary collateral arteries (MAPCAs) arising off the aorta or its systemic branches, during cardiac catheterization for congenital heart defects, each distinct vessel (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
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)
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.
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.)
Q0 Investigational clinical service provided in a clinical research study that is in an approved clinical research study
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2013-01-01 Added Added
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