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Official Description

Bypass graft, with other than vein; iliorenal

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The CPT® Code 35634 refers to a surgical procedure known as a bypass graft, specifically an iliorenal bypass graft using synthetic conduit rather than a vein. This procedure is performed to create a new pathway for blood flow around a diseased or obstructed segment of the renal artery, which is crucial for maintaining adequate blood supply to the kidneys. The iliorenal bypass involves the use of a synthetic graft, which is a man-made material designed to replace or support the function of blood vessels. The procedure typically requires careful dissection and exposure of the common iliac artery, followed by the placement of the graft in a manner that allows blood to flow from the iliac artery to the renal artery, effectively bypassing the obstructed area. This intervention is essential for patients who may be experiencing symptoms related to renal artery obstruction, such as hypertension or renal ischemia, and aims to restore normal blood circulation to the affected kidney.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The iliorenal bypass graft procedure (CPT® Code 35634) is indicated for patients who present with specific conditions related to the renal artery. These indications may include:

  • Renal Artery Stenosis - A narrowing of the renal artery that can lead to reduced blood flow to the kidney, potentially causing hypertension and renal dysfunction.
  • Renal Artery Occlusion - A complete blockage of the renal artery, which can result in ischemia and loss of kidney function.
  • Ischemic Nephropathy - A condition characterized by kidney damage due to inadequate blood supply, often resulting from renal artery disease.

2. Procedure

The iliorenal bypass graft procedure involves several critical steps to ensure successful graft placement and restoration of blood flow. The procedural steps are as follows:

  • Step 1: Exposure of the Common Iliac Artery - The procedure begins with the exposure and isolation of the common iliac artery on either the right or left side. This is achieved through an abdominal incision, allowing access to the vascular structures necessary for the bypass graft.
  • Step 2: Mobilization of the Descending Duodenum - The descending duodenum is mobilized to facilitate access to the inferior vena cava and renal vein. This step is crucial for identifying the renal artery and ensuring proper placement of the graft.
  • Step 3: Isolation of the Renal Artery - The renal artery is carefully isolated to prepare for the anastomosis. This involves clamping the renal artery to prevent blood flow during the grafting process.
  • Step 4: Selection of the Synthetic Bypass Graft - A properly sized synthetic bypass graft is selected based on the dimensions of the iliac and renal arteries. The choice of graft material is essential for ensuring compatibility and functionality.
  • Step 5: Anastomosis to the Iliac Artery - Vascular clamps are applied to the iliac artery, which is then incised. The synthetic bypass graft is sutured in an end-to-side configuration to the iliac artery, establishing a new pathway for blood flow.
  • Step 6: Anastomosis to the Renal Artery - Following the iliac artery anastomosis, the renal artery is clamped and incised. The synthetic bypass graft is then anastomosed to the renal artery in an end-to-side fashion, effectively bypassing the diseased or obstructed portion of the renal artery.
  • Step 7: Release of Clamps and Verification of Blood Flow - After completing the anastomoses, the clamps are released, and blood flow through the graft is checked using Doppler ultrasound to ensure that the graft is functioning properly and that blood is flowing to the renal artery.

3. Post-Procedure

Post-procedure care for patients undergoing an iliorenal bypass graft includes monitoring for any complications such as graft occlusion or infection. Patients are typically observed for signs of adequate renal perfusion and may undergo imaging studies to assess graft patency. Pain management and wound care are also essential components of post-operative care. The expected recovery period may vary based on the patient's overall health and the complexity of the procedure, but close follow-up is necessary to ensure successful outcomes and to address any potential issues promptly.

Short Descr ART BYP ILIORENAL
Medium Descr BYPASS GRAFT W/OTHER THAN VEIN ILIORENAL
Long Descr Bypass graft, with other than vein; iliorenal
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) P1G - Major procedure - Other
MUE 1
CCS Clinical Classification 56 - Other vascular bypass and shunt, not heart
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).
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.
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.)
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
CR Catastrophe/disaster related
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)
RT Right side (used to identify procedures performed on the right side of the body)
Date
Action
Notes
2013-01-01 Changed Short Descriptor changed.
2009-01-01 Added -
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