2025 CPT code 35875
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Surgery - Surgical Procedures on the Cardiovascular System Surgery Feed
Removal of a clot from an arterial or venous graft (excluding hemodialysis grafts).
Modifiers may be applicable. For example, modifier -78 may apply if the thrombectomy is performed due to an unplanned return to the operating room for a related procedure during the postoperative period.
Medical necessity for 35875 must be supported by documentation demonstrating compromised blood flow due to the presence of a thrombus in the graft, causing symptoms or posing a threat to limb viability. Non-invasive vascular studies or other imaging modalities confirming the diagnosis should be included.
The surgeon prepares the patient and administers anesthesia. Then, they make an incision to expose the affected graft, control blood flow using clamps, remove the clot using various techniques (e.g., incision, balloon catheter), repair the graft, restore blood flow, and close the incision.
In simple words: The doctor removes a blood clot from a grafted blood vessel that is not used for dialysis. This may involve making a cut near the graft, carefully accessing the blood vessel, and then using tools like a balloon catheter to remove the clot. This procedure helps restore blood flow.
Thrombectomy of arterial or venous graft (other than hemodialysis graft or fistula). This includes open or percutaneous mechanical removal of a thrombus from an existing arterial or venous graft, but it does not include hemodialysis grafts or fistulas.
Example 1: A patient presents with leg pain and swelling due to a clot in a femoral-popliteal bypass graft. The surgeon performs a thrombectomy (35875) to remove the clot and restore blood flow., A patient with a previous arteriovenous graft for vascular access develops a clot. The surgeon performs thrombectomy (35875) using a balloon catheter to remove the clot., A patient has an occluded venous graft in the upper extremity. The surgeon performs a thrombectomy (35875) to clear the graft and ensure proper venous drainage.
Documentation should include details of the procedure, such as the location and type of graft, the method used for thrombectomy, intraoperative findings, and any complications. Preoperative imaging studies demonstrating the clot should also be included. Postoperative assessment of blood flow restoration should be documented.
- Revenue Code: P2F
- Payment Status: Active
- Specialties:Vascular Surgery, Cardiothoracic Surgery, Interventional Radiology
- Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, Outpatient Hospital, Ambulatory Surgical Center