In simple words: This code covers a doctor removing a tube (cannula) from a child's artery or vein. This tube was used to help the child's heart and lungs work better using a machine. The doctor uses open surgery to remove the tube and close the small cut.

This CPT code reports the physician's services for removing peripheral arterial and/or venous cannula(e) used in extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) or extracorporeal life support (ECLS). The procedure is performed via an open surgical approach in patients aged birth through 5 years.It involves accessing the cannula(e), cleaning the insertion site, carefully removing the cannula(e), and closing the incision with sutures.This service is distinct from the initiation, management, or repositioning of the ECMO/ECLS circuit.The patient's ECMO/ECLS support is discontinued prior to this procedure.

Example 1: A 2-year-old child is successfully weaned from ECMO support after treatment for respiratory failure.The physician performs an open surgical removal of the femoral venous cannula., A 4-year-old patient with congenital heart disease has completed ECMO therapy. The physician removes both arterial and venous cannula(e) via an open approach., A newborn infant with severe respiratory distress syndrome is successfully weaned from ECMO. An open surgical removal of the cannula(e) from a peripheral vein is performed by the attending physician.

Complete operative report detailing the surgical technique, including the approach, location of cannula(e), any complications, and closure method. Preoperative and postoperative diagnoses should be documented. Patient's age verification.

** This code specifically addresses the open surgical removal of cannula(e).Other removal techniques may be coded differently.