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excision of aneurysmal arteriovenous fistula

Should this be coded as 35206, 37607, 36821? I feel like this might be more of a revision of the old fistula with creation of a new fistula and that 36832, 36821-59 might be better.

The physician excised an aneurysmal radiocephalic fistula, then created a new brachiocephalic fistula.

Transverse incision made 1 cm below antecubital crease. cephalic vein identified and dissected circumferentially. a branch was selected for use. the distal vein was ligated and divided. bicipital aponeurosis was opened and the distal brachial artery was dissected out.

Elliptical incisions were made around each aneurysmal site in the forearm, small branches were ligated and divided. segments in the forearm were ligated and divided and handed off. the segment near the arterial anastomosis was dissected down to the radial artery.

The radial artery was clamped, the aneurysmal portion of the fistula was excised leaving a cuff of tissue over the radial artery, then the cuff of tissue was closed to reform the radial artery. Flow to the radial artery was restored.

The deep branch of the cephalic vein was now ligated and divided and the vein was brought over to the (distal brachial) artery. The artery was clamped proximally and distally and an arteriotomy was made.An end to side anastomosis was sewn between the vein and artery.

Medical Billing and Coding Forum

Arteriovenous shunt for dialysis

I do HCC risk coding and have a pt who had the placement of an AV shunt in preparation for dialysis, however the renal function improved enough at present to hold off on starting dialysis. Can we still code Z99.2 even though they have not yet started the dialysis, or is there another code that should be used? Tabular list does indicate "presence of AV shunt for dialysis".Am unsure since dialysis has not yet started. Thank you

Medical Billing and Coding Forum

Revision AV Fistula, LEFT ARM ARTERIO-VENOUS FISTULA REVISION WITH FISTULOGRAM

Can someone help me with this?

The patient was seen in the holding area and brought to the OR where after the timeout procedure he underwent general anesthesia with no complications. The left arm, shoulder and axilla were prepped and draped in a sterile fashion. I proceeded to do a longitudinal skin incision over the cephalic vein fistula on the lateral aspect of the upper arm, and after cutting the skin with a knife dissection of subcutaneous tissues continue with electrocautery until the cephalic vein is identified. I proceeded to dissect it all around and isolated with a vessel loop. Now I proceeded to dissect the cephalic vein proximally and distally to have adequate length for the placement of vascular clamps. So I proceeded to clamp the cephalic vein proximally and distally with atraumatic vascular clamps, and a partial transverse venotomy is done with an 11 blade. The cephalic vein is clamped proximally with a DeBakey clamp and the proximal vascular clamp is removed. The DeBakey clamp is open to allow some backflow, that he is weak, and consists in dark red blood. A #4 Fogarty catheter was passed proximally and no clots were coming out but I was feeling a resistance on the passing of the catheter after 20 cm of the catheter introduced in the vein. I proceeded to flush the proximal cephalic vein with heparinized saline and the vascular clamp is placed. Now the distal cephalic vein is clamped with a DeBakey clamp and the vascular clamp is removed. After a partial release of the DeBakey clamp I had an excellent arterial flow. The Fogarty catheter #4 is passed distally once, and I was able to pass the arterial anastomosis with no clots removed. The distal cephalic vein is flushed with heparinized saline and clamped with the vascular clamp. I proceeded to close the partial venotomy with a running suture of a 6-0 Prolene. After the closure is completed the fistula is cannulated on the distal arm with a #18 Angiocath, next to the arteriovenous anastomosis, and I proceeded to do the fistulogram. The fistulogram was showing a patent left brachiocephalic fistula with the cephalic and axillary veins having no gross abnormalities, but the axillary vein was joining the subclavian vein inside the chest forming a 90° angle, that even though looked stenotic, there was an excellent flow of contrast flow into the subclavian vein. The subclavian vein also had no gross abnormalities and it was patent. Considering the right angle of the axillary vein joining the subclavian vein I decided not to attempt any possible angioplasty or stent placement. The left upper arm wound is clean and I proceeded to close it approximating the subcutaneous tissue with a running suture of 3-0 Vicryl and the skin is closed with Monocryl 4-0 subcutaneously. The wound is covered with a dressing and the procedure was terminated. Patient tolerated procedure well there were no incidents or complications. He goes to recovery room.

Medical Billing and Coding Forum