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Official Description

Bypass graft, with other than vein; aortosubclavian, aortoinnominate, or aortocarotid

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The CPT® Code 35626 refers to a surgical procedure known as a bypass graft, specifically involving the aortosubclavian, aortoinnominate, or aortocarotid arteries. This procedure is performed using materials other than a vein to create a bypass around a diseased or obstructed segment of the subclavian or carotid artery. The primary goal of this intervention is to restore adequate blood flow to the affected areas, which may be compromised due to conditions such as atherosclerosis or other vascular diseases. In the case of an aortocarotid artery bypass, the surgeon makes an incision on the side of the neck to access the common carotid artery, carefully dissecting surrounding soft tissues while preserving vital nerves and veins. For aortosubclavian or aorto-innominate artery grafts, access may be achieved through a supraclavicular incision or via a median sternotomy, allowing for direct exposure of the aorta and the affected artery. The procedure involves creating a tunnel from the aorta to the artery in question, selecting and preparing a synthetic graft, and meticulously suturing it to both the aorta and the artery to ensure proper blood flow. Post-surgery, the integrity of the graft is verified through Doppler ultrasound and evaluation of distal pulses, ensuring that the bypass is functioning correctly and that blood circulation is restored effectively.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The procedure coded as CPT® 35626 is indicated for patients experiencing significant vascular obstruction or disease affecting the subclavian or carotid arteries. The following conditions may warrant the performance of this bypass graft:

  • Atherosclerosis - A condition characterized by the buildup of plaque in the arteries, leading to reduced blood flow.
  • Subclavian artery stenosis - Narrowing of the subclavian artery that can cause symptoms such as arm pain or weakness.
  • Carotid artery stenosis - Narrowing of the carotid artery, which can increase the risk of stroke due to reduced blood flow to the brain.
  • Vascular occlusion - Complete blockage of the artery that necessitates the creation of a bypass to restore blood flow.

2. Procedure

The procedure for CPT® 35626 involves several critical steps to ensure successful bypass grafting. Each step is essential for achieving optimal outcomes.

  • Step 1: Incision and Exposure - The surgeon begins by making an incision in the side of the neck over the common carotid artery for an aortocarotid bypass. For aortosubclavian or aorto-innominate grafts, a separate supraclavicular incision may be made, or a median sternotomy may be performed to expose the aorta and the affected artery.
  • Step 2: Dissection - Soft tissues surrounding the carotid artery are carefully dissected to expose the artery. This step involves mobilizing nerves and veins to prevent damage during the procedure.
  • Step 3: Graft Preparation - A tunnel is created from the aorta to the affected artery. An appropriately sized tubular synthetic graft is selected and prepared for implantation.
  • Step 4: Aorta Incision - A side-biting clamp is placed on the aorta at the planned incision site. The aorta is then incised, and the synthetic graft is sutured securely to the aorta.
  • Step 5: Artery Incision - Vascular clamps are placed on the subclavian or carotid artery above and below the incision site. The artery is incised, and the synthetic graft is sutured to the artery, ensuring a secure connection.
  • Step 6: Hemostasis and Flow Check - After suturing, the vascular clamps are released, and the suture lines are checked for hemostasis. Blood flow through the graft is assessed using Doppler ultrasound, and distal pulses are evaluated to confirm the patency of the bypass graft.

3. Post-Procedure

Post-procedure care for patients undergoing a bypass graft coded as CPT® 35626 includes monitoring for any signs of complications such as bleeding, infection, or graft failure. Patients are typically observed in a recovery area where vital signs are closely monitored. Follow-up appointments are essential to assess the graft's function and ensure that blood flow is adequately restored. Patients may also receive instructions regarding activity restrictions and medication management to promote healing and prevent complications.

Short Descr ART BYP AORSUBCL/CAROT/INNOM
Medium Descr BYPASS NOT VEIN AORTOSUBCLA/CAROTID/INNOMINATE
Long Descr Bypass graft, with other than vein; aortosubclavian, aortoinnominate, or aortocarotid
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 3
CCS Clinical Classification 56 - Other vascular bypass and shunt, not heart
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.
LT Left side (used to identify procedures performed on the left side of the body)
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).
GC This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician
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
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).
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.
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.
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).
Q1 Routine clinical service provided in a clinical research study that is in an approved clinical research study
RT Right side (used to identify procedures performed on the right side of the body)
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.
2011-01-01 Changed Long description revised. Medium description changed.
Pre-1990 Added Code added.
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