© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.
Intracardiac catheter ablation of an arrhythmogenic focus is a specialized medical procedure aimed at treating ventricular tachycardia, a potentially life-threatening condition characterized by rapid heartbeats originating from the ventricles. This procedure involves the use of catheters that are inserted into the heart to target and destroy specific areas of heart tissue that are responsible for the abnormal electrical signals causing the arrhythmia. The term "ablation" refers to the process of removing or destroying tissue, which in this context is achieved through techniques such as radiofrequency energy or cryoablation. The goal of the procedure is to eliminate the arrhythmogenic focus, thereby restoring normal heart rhythm and preventing future episodes of ventricular tachycardia. The procedure is typically performed in a controlled environment, such as a cardiac catheterization lab, where the patient's heart can be closely monitored throughout the process. This intervention is crucial for patients who experience recurrent episodes of ventricular tachycardia, as it can significantly reduce the risk of serious complications, including sudden cardiac arrest.
© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.
The intracardiac catheter ablation procedure is indicated for patients experiencing ventricular tachycardia, particularly when the condition is life-threatening. This procedure is typically recommended for individuals who have not responded adequately to other treatment options, such as medication, or for those who have recurrent episodes of ventricular tachycardia that pose significant health risks.
The procedure begins with the insertion of catheters into the heart through a blood vessel, typically in the groin or neck. These catheters are guided to the heart using fluoroscopic imaging. Once in place, the electrophysiologist will identify and map the arrhythmogenic focus responsible for the ventricular tachycardia. This mapping is crucial as it allows for precise targeting of the abnormal tissue. Following the mapping, the electrophysiologist will apply either radiofrequency energy or cryoablation to the identified area to disrupt the electrical conduction pathways that are causing the arrhythmia. The goal is to obliterate the anomalous pathway. After the initial ablation, an attempt is made to induce the arrhythmia again to confirm that the pathway has been successfully ablated. If the arrhythmia is induced, the catheter may be repositioned, and additional ablation may be performed. This process is repeated until the arrhythmogenic focus has been effectively eliminated, as evidenced by the inability to induce the arrhythmia.
After the intracardiac catheter ablation procedure, patients are typically monitored in a recovery area for any immediate complications. It is common for patients to experience some discomfort at the catheter insertion site, which usually resolves within a few days. Patients may be advised to limit physical activity for a short period to allow for proper healing. Follow-up appointments are essential to assess the success of the procedure and to monitor for any recurrence of arrhythmia. Additionally, patients may need to continue with antiarrhythmic medications as prescribed by their healthcare provider to manage their heart rhythm effectively.
| Short Descr | ABLATE HEART DYSRHYTHM FOCUS | Medium Descr | ABLATE HEART DYSRHYTHM FOCUS | Long Descr | Intracardiac catheter ablation of arrhythmogenic focus; for treatment of ventricular tachycardia | Status Code | Active Code | Global Days | 000 - Endoscopic or Minor Procedure | PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) | 0 - Physician Service Code | Multiple Procedures (51) | 2 - Standard payment adjustment rules for multiple procedures apply. | Bilateral Surgery (50) | 0 - 150% payment adjustment for bilateral procedures does NOT apply. | Physician Supervisions | 09 - Concept does not apply. | Assistant Surgeon (80, 82) | 0 - Payment restriction for assistants at surgery applies to this procedure... | Co-Surgeons (62) | 0 - Co-surgeons not permitted for this procedure. | Team Surgery (66) | 0 - Team surgeons not permitted for this procedure. | Diagnostic Imaging Family | 99 - Concept Does Not Apply | APC Status Indicator | Discontinued Code | Type of Service (TOS) | 2 - Surgery | Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) | none | MUE | Not applicable/unspecified. | CCS Clinical Classification | 225 - Conversion of cardiac rhythm |
Get instant expert-level medical coding assistance.