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Official Description

Saphenopopliteal vein anastomosis

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

A saphenopopliteal vein anastomosis is a surgical procedure that involves the connection of the saphenous vein to the popliteal vein, typically performed to restore venous flow in cases of obstruction. The procedure begins with the creation of an incision in the skin over the saphenous vein, which is a large vein located in the leg. Surgeons carefully dissect the saphenous vein from the surrounding tissues, ensuring that it remains intact while ligating its tributaries, which are smaller veins that drain into it. This dissection is crucial as it allows for a sufficient length of the saphenous vein to be mobilized for the anastomosis. Once the distal end of the saphenous vein is divided, it is then tunneled to reach the popliteal vein, which is located behind the knee. The obstructed segment of the popliteal vein is clamped and incised below the obstruction to facilitate the connection. Finally, an end-to-side anastomosis is performed, where the saphenous vein is attached to the popliteal vein, allowing blood to bypass the obstruction and restore normal venous circulation in the leg.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The saphenopopliteal vein anastomosis is indicated for patients experiencing venous obstruction in the popliteal vein, which may lead to complications such as venous insufficiency or chronic venous hypertension. This procedure is typically performed in cases where there is a need to restore adequate venous drainage from the lower extremities, particularly when conservative treatments have failed or when the obstruction is significant enough to warrant surgical intervention.

  • Venous Obstruction The primary indication for this procedure is the presence of an obstruction in the popliteal vein that impedes normal blood flow.
  • Chronic Venous Insufficiency Patients suffering from chronic venous insufficiency may require this procedure to alleviate symptoms and improve venous return.
  • Complications from Previous Procedures The anastomosis may also be indicated in cases where previous surgical interventions have resulted in complications affecting venous drainage.

2. Procedure

The saphenopopliteal vein anastomosis involves several critical procedural steps that ensure the successful connection of the saphenous vein to the popliteal vein.

  • Step 1: Incision The procedure begins with the surgeon making an incision in the skin over the saphenous vein, which is essential for accessing the vein and performing the necessary dissection.
  • Step 2: Dissection Following the incision, the saphenous vein is carefully dissected free from the surrounding tissue. This step is crucial to ensure that the vein is adequately mobilized without damaging it, and the tributaries of the saphenous vein are ligated to prevent bleeding.
  • Step 3: Division of the Saphenous Vein Once a sufficient length of the saphenous vein has been freed from surrounding structures, the distal aspect of the vein is divided. This division is necessary to prepare the vein for the anastomosis.
  • Step 4: Tunneling The next step involves tunneling the saphenous vein to the popliteal vein. This maneuver allows the vein to be positioned correctly for the anastomosis.
  • Step 5: Clamping and Incising the Popliteal Vein The obstructed segment of the popliteal vein is then clamped and incised below the obstruction. This step is critical to create a suitable site for the anastomosis.
  • Step 6: Anastomosis Finally, an end-to-side anastomosis is performed, where the saphenous vein is connected to the popliteal vein. This connection allows blood to bypass the obstruction, restoring normal venous flow.

3. Post-Procedure

After the saphenopopliteal vein anastomosis, patients typically require monitoring for any signs of complications, such as bleeding or infection at the surgical site. Post-operative care may include pain management and instructions for activity restrictions to promote healing. Patients are often advised to elevate the affected leg and may be prescribed anticoagulants to prevent thrombosis in the newly created anastomosis. Follow-up appointments are essential to assess the success of the procedure and ensure that normal venous flow has been restored.

Short Descr LEG VEIN FUSION
Medium Descr SAPHENOPOPLITEAL VEIN ANASTOMOSIS
Long Descr Saphenopopliteal vein anastomosis
Status Code Active Code
Global Days 090 - Major Surgery
PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) 0 - Physician Service Code
Multiple Procedures (51) 2 - Standard payment adjustment rules for multiple procedures apply.
Bilateral Surgery (50) 1 - 150% payment adjustment for bilateral procedures applies.
Physician Supervisions 09 - Concept does not apply.
Assistant Surgeon (80, 82) 2 - Payment restriction for assistants at surgery does not apply to this procedure...
Co-Surgeons (62) 1 - Co-surgeons could be paid, though supporting documentation is required...
Team Surgery (66) 0 - Team surgeons not permitted for this procedure.
Diagnostic Imaging Family 99 - Concept Does Not Apply
APC Status Indicator Hospital Part B services paid through a comprehensive APC
Type of Service (TOS) 2 - Surgery
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) P2F - Major procedure, cardiovascular-Other
MUE 1
CCS Clinical Classification 61 - Other OR procedures on vessels other than head and neck
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).
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.)
AS Physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or clinical nurse specialist services for assistant at surgery
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