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An intrathoracic blood vessel repair involves the surgical intervention to mend a damaged blood vessel located within the thoracic cavity, utilizing a graft that is not derived from a vein. This procedure typically requires the chest to be opened, which can be accomplished through a median sternotomy or alternative surgical approaches. The necessity for cardiopulmonary bypass may arise depending on the specific nature and severity of the injury to the blood vessel. During the operation, the affected blood vessel is carefully exposed, and clamps are applied both proximal and distal to the injury site to effectively control any bleeding. A thorough evaluation of the injury's extent is conducted to determine the appropriate course of action. If an arterial graft is indicated, a segment of artery is harvested and meticulously prepared for grafting. In some cases, a synthetic graft may be utilized instead. The damaged edges of the blood vessel are debrided to ensure a clean surface for repair, and the prepared graft is then sutured to both ends of the injured vessel. If cardiopulmonary bypass was employed during the procedure, the patient is subsequently weaned off the bypass support. Finally, the overlying tissues are sutured back together in layers to complete the surgical repair. It is important to note that CPT® Code 35271 is designated for repairs performed with cardiopulmonary bypass, while CPT® Code 35276 is specifically for those conducted without the use of bypass.
© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.
The procedure is indicated for the repair of an intrathoracic blood vessel that has sustained injury or damage. This may include conditions such as traumatic injuries, vascular malformations, or other pathological conditions that compromise the integrity of the blood vessel within the thoracic cavity.
The procedure involves several critical steps to ensure the successful repair of the injured blood vessel. First, the surgical team prepares the patient and administers anesthesia. The chest is then opened using a median sternotomy or another appropriate surgical approach to gain access to the intrathoracic structures.
Post-procedure care involves monitoring the patient for any signs of complications, such as bleeding or infection. The patient may require pain management and will be observed in a recovery area before being transferred to a regular hospital room. Follow-up imaging may be necessary to assess the success of the graft and ensure proper healing. The healthcare team will provide instructions for activity restrictions and wound care to facilitate recovery.
| Short Descr | RPR BLVS GR OT/T VN NTRTH WO | Medium Descr | RPR BLOOD VSL GRF OTH/THN VEIN INTRATHRC W/O BYP | Long Descr | Repair blood vessel with graft other than vein; intrathoracic, without bypass | 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 | Inpatient Procedures, not paid under OPPS | Type of Service (TOS) | 2 - Surgery | Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) | P2F - Major procedure, cardiovascular-Other | MUE | 2 | CCS Clinical Classification | 61 - Other OR procedures on vessels other than head and neck |
| 50 | Bilateral procedure: unless otherwise identified in the listings, bilateral procedures that are performed at the same session, should be identified by adding modifier 50 to the appropriate 5 digit code. note: this modifier should not be appended to designated "add-on" codes (see appendix d). | 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). | 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. | 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.) | 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.) | 80 | Assistant surgeon: surgical assistant services may be identified by adding modifier 80 to the usual procedure number(s). | 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). | AS | Physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or clinical nurse specialist services for assistant at surgery | GC | This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician | LT | Left side (used to identify procedures performed on the left side of the body) | 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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| 2025-01-01 | Changed | Short Description changed. |
| Pre-1990 | Added | Code added. |
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