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Official Description

Bypass graft, with vein; femoral-popliteal

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

A femoral-popliteal bypass graft is a surgical procedure designed to restore blood flow in the leg by creating a new pathway for blood to travel from the femoral artery to the popliteal artery. This procedure is typically indicated for patients who have significant arterial blockages or occlusions that impede blood flow, often due to conditions such as peripheral artery disease. The surgery involves making an incision in the groin area to access the femoral artery and another incision behind the knee to expose the popliteal artery. A vein graft, often harvested from the saphenous vein in the leg, is used to create a bypass around the blocked segment of the artery. The process includes careful dissection of the vein, ligation of branches, and precise anastomosis of the graft to both the femoral and popliteal arteries. This procedure is critical for improving circulation, alleviating symptoms such as pain and cramping in the legs, and preventing complications associated with poor blood flow, such as tissue necrosis or limb loss.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The femoral-popliteal bypass graft procedure is indicated for patients experiencing significant arterial blockages or occlusions that affect blood flow to the lower extremities. The following conditions may warrant this surgical intervention:

  • Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) - A condition characterized by narrowed arteries reducing blood flow to the limbs, often leading to pain and mobility issues.
  • Critical Limb Ischemia - A severe obstruction of the arteries that significantly reduces blood flow, potentially resulting in pain at rest, non-healing wounds, or gangrene.
  • Claudication - Pain or cramping in the legs during physical activities due to inadequate blood flow, which may necessitate surgical intervention when conservative treatments fail.

2. Procedure

The femoral-popliteal bypass graft procedure involves several critical steps to ensure successful graft placement and restoration of blood flow. The following procedural steps are performed:

  • Step 1: Incision and Exposure - A groin incision is made on the affected side to access the femoral artery. Simultaneously, an incision is made behind the knee to expose the popliteal artery, allowing for direct access to both arterial sites.
  • Step 2: Creation of Tunnel - A tunnel is created from the femoral artery to the popliteal artery, facilitating the passage of the vein graft between these two points.
  • Step 3: Harvesting the Vein Graft - If a saphenous vein graft is selected, an incision is made over the section of the saphenous vein to be harvested. The surrounding soft tissue is carefully dissected away from the vein, and any branches are ligated and divided. The segment of the saphenous vein intended for use is then ligated proximally and distally, divided, and removed from the leg.
  • Step 4: Anastomosis to the Femoral Artery - The vein graft is then anastomosed to the femoral artery. The femoral artery is clamped, incised, and the proximal end of the graft is attached to ensure a secure connection.
  • Step 5: Anastomosis to the Popliteal Artery - Following the connection to the femoral artery, the graft is passed through the tunnel to the popliteal artery. The popliteal artery is clamped, incised, and the distal end of the graft is anastomosed to complete the bypass.
  • Step 6: Hemostasis and Flow Check - After both anastomoses are completed, vascular clamps are released, and hemostasis at all anastomosis sites is checked. Blood flow through the graft is assessed using Doppler ultrasound, and distal pulses are evaluated to ensure the patency of the bypass graft.

3. Post-Procedure

Post-procedure care for patients undergoing a femoral-popliteal bypass graft includes monitoring for complications such as bleeding, infection, or graft failure. Patients are typically observed in a recovery area where vital signs are closely monitored. Pain management is provided as needed, and patients may be encouraged to begin light physical activity as tolerated to promote circulation. Follow-up appointments are essential to assess the graft's patency and overall limb health, and patients may be advised on lifestyle modifications to improve vascular health and prevent future complications.

Short Descr ART BYP GRFT FEM-POPLITEAL
Medium Descr BYPASS W/VEIN FEMORAL-POPLITEAL
Long Descr Bypass graft, with vein; femoral-popliteal
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 1
CCS Clinical Classification 55 - Peripheral vascular bypass

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

35500 Addon Code MPFS Status: Active Code APC N CPT Assistant Article Harvest of upper extremity vein, 1 segment, for lower extremity or coronary artery bypass procedure (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
35572 Addon Code MPFS Status: Active Code APC N ASC N1 CPT Assistant Article Illustration for Code Harvest of femoropopliteal vein, 1 segment, for vascular reconstruction procedure (eg, aortic, vena caval, coronary, peripheral artery) (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
35682 Addon Code MPFS Status: Active Code APC C CPT Assistant Article Illustration for Code Bypass graft; autogenous composite, 2 segments of veins from 2 locations (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
35683 Addon Code MPFS Status: Active Code APC C CPT Assistant Article Illustration for Code Bypass graft; autogenous composite, 3 or more segments of vein from 2 or more locations (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
35686 Add-on Code MPFS Status: Active Code APC N CPT Assistant Article Illustration for Code Creation of distal arteriovenous fistula during lower extremity bypass surgery (non-hemodialysis) (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
35700 Addon Code MPFS Status: Active Code APC C CPT Assistant Article Illustration for Code Reoperation, femoral-popliteal or femoral (popliteal)-anterior tibial, posterior tibial, peroneal artery, or other distal vessels, more than 1 month after original operation (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
RT Right side (used to identify procedures performed on the right side of the body)
LT Left side (used to identify procedures performed on the left side of the body)
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
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.
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).
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).
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
AQ Physician providing a service in an unlisted health professional shortage area (hpsa)
CR Catastrophe/disaster related
GW Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition
Q6 Service furnished under a fee-for-time compensation 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
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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2013-01-01 Changed Short Descriptor changed.
Pre-1990 Added Code added.
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