2025 CPT code 34502

Reconstruction of the vena cava using any method.

Follow current CPT coding guidelines for surgical procedures, particularly those related to vascular surgery.Ensure proper documentation to support medical necessity and appropriate code selection.

Modifiers may be applicable depending on the specific circumstances of the procedure.Consult the most current CPT modifier guidelines for details.

Surgical reconstruction of the vena cava is medically necessary when there is a significant compromise of venous return due to congenital defects, trauma, tumor invasion, or other pathology. The repair is necessary to prevent life-threatening complications such as venous congestion, edema, and potentially death.

The clinical responsibility rests with the surgeon performing the vena cava reconstruction. This includes pre-operative planning, intraoperative management, and postoperative care. The surgeon will choose the approach, repair technique, and utilize appropriate imaging and monitoring technologies.

IMPORTANT No specific alternate codes are listed, however, other CPT codes may be used depending on the specific surgical technique employed.Consult current CPT guidelines for alternative codes that might be applicable to a given situation.

In simple words: This code covers surgery to repair a damaged vena cava, the major vein carrying blood back to the heart.The surgeon will fix the damage, possibly using a graft (a piece of replacement vein), to restore normal blood flow.

This CPT code encompasses the surgical reconstruction of the vena cava, the body's largest vein, employing any suitable technique.The procedure involves accessing the vena cava, typically through an abdominal or chest incision, identifying the defective section, and repairing it. This might involve direct repair, patching, or grafting. The surgeon ensures adequate blood flow post-repair, often using methods like Doppler ultrasound to confirm patency.The surgical site is then closed in layers.

Example 1: A patient presents with a traumatic injury resulting in a tear in the inferior vena cava.34502 is used to describe the surgical repair of this injury using a venous graft., A patient with a congenital abnormality causing a significant narrowing (stenosis) of the superior vena cava undergoes surgical reconstruction using 34502 to restore blood flow., A patient with a tumor encroaching on the vena cava requires surgical resection of the tumor and reconstruction of the vena cava to maintain venous return. 34502 would be used to represent the reconstructive aspect of the surgery.

Detailed preoperative assessment including imaging (e.g., CT scan, venogram) to define the extent of the defect, operative report detailing the technique used (e.g., patch angioplasty, graft placement), intraoperative images (if available) showing the repair, postoperative imaging to confirm patency and absence of complications, and any pertinent pathology reports.

** Always refer to the most current CPT codebook and relevant coding guidelines for the most up-to-date information.This information is for guidance only and should not be considered exhaustive.

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