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Official Description

Bypass graft, with other than vein; ilioiliac

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

An ilioiliac bypass graft is a surgical procedure that involves creating a new pathway for blood flow between the iliac arteries, which are major blood vessels located in the pelvis. This procedure is performed using a graft that is not derived from the patient's own veins, typically utilizing a synthetic material instead. The surgery begins with an incision in the abdomen to access the iliac arteries, allowing the surgeon to carefully expose and dissect these arteries from the surrounding tissues. The goal of the bypass graft is to restore adequate blood flow to the lower extremities, which may be compromised due to blockages or other vascular issues. During the procedure, a tunnel is created to facilitate the placement of a cross-over graft that connects the two iliac arteries. The graft is meticulously sutured to the arteries, and the surgical team ensures that blood flow is restored and that there are no leaks at the suture sites. The use of Doppler ultrasound is critical in this process, as it allows for the assessment of blood flow through the graft and the evaluation of distal pulses to confirm the success of the bypass. This procedure is essential for patients who require improved circulation to their legs and lower body, particularly in cases where traditional vein grafts are not suitable.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The ilioiliac bypass graft procedure is indicated for patients experiencing significant vascular issues that necessitate improved 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.
  • Vascular Obstruction - Blockages in the iliac arteries that impede normal blood circulation, which may be due to atherosclerosis or other vascular diseases.

2. Procedure

The ilioiliac bypass graft procedure involves several critical steps to ensure successful grafting and restoration of blood flow. The following procedural steps are performed:

  • Step 1: Abdominal Incision - The procedure begins with an incision in the abdomen to provide access to the iliac arteries. This allows the surgeon to visualize and manipulate the arteries effectively.
  • Step 2: Exposure and Dissection - Both iliac arteries are carefully exposed and dissected free from surrounding tissues. This step is crucial for ensuring that the arteries are adequately prepared for the grafting process.
  • Step 3: Creation of Abdominal Tunnel - An abdominal tunnel is created to facilitate the placement of a cross-over graft from one iliac artery to the other. This tunnel serves as a pathway for the graft material.
  • Step 4: Graft Preparation - An appropriately sized tubular synthetic graft is selected and prepared for implantation. The choice of graft material is essential for ensuring compatibility and durability.
  • Step 5: Clamping and Incision of Iliac Artery - The iliac artery on the unobstructed side is clamped to prevent blood flow during the grafting process. An incision is made in the artery, and the cross-over graft is sutured to it.
  • Step 6: Graft Passage - The cross-over graft is then passed through the abdominal tunnel to the contralateral iliac artery, ensuring a secure connection between the two arteries.
  • Step 7: Clamping and Suturing of Contralateral Iliac Artery - The contralateral iliac artery is clamped and incised, and the graft is sutured to this artery as well, completing the bypass connection.
  • Step 8: Hemostasis Check - After suturing, the vascular clamps are released, and the suture lines are checked for hemostasis to ensure there are no leaks or bleeding.
  • Step 9: Blood Flow Assessment - Finally, 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 an ilioiliac bypass graft includes monitoring for any signs of complications, such as infection or graft failure. Patients are typically observed for adequate blood flow to the lower extremities, and follow-up Doppler studies may be performed to assess graft patency. Pain management and wound care are also essential components of post-operative care. Patients may be advised on activity restrictions and rehabilitation to promote recovery and improve circulation. Regular follow-up appointments are necessary to monitor the patient's progress and ensure the long-term success of the graft.

Short Descr ART BYP ILIOILIAC
Medium Descr BYP OTH/THN VEIN ILIOILIAC
Long Descr Bypass graft, with other than vein; ilioiliac
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 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)
XU Unusual non-overlapping service, the use of a service that is distinct because it does not overlap usual components of the main service
Date
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2013-01-01 Changed Short Descriptor changed.
Pre-1990 Added Code added.
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