CPT code 35566 refers to a surgical technique that involves rerouting blood around blocked arteries in the leg using a vein for the bypass. CPT 35566 represents “Bypass graft, with vein; femoral-anterior tibial, posterior tibial, peroneal artery or other distal vessels.”
Procedure Explanation:
This procedure is a way to improve blood flow to the lower part of the leg by using a vein as a new pathway for blood, bypassing clogged arteries. This process includes creating a bypass in arteries like the ones near the tibia or other related vessels, but it doesn’t cover blockages higher up in the leg or in other parts of the body.
Common Names:
- Femoral-distal bypass surgery
- Leg artery bypass with vein
- Peripheral artery bypass
Relative Value Units (RVU):
The RVUs associated with this code are 32.35.
How This Procedure Appears:
- Operating Room Schedule Name: Leg artery bypass using vein
- Surgical Consent Form Name: Approval for bypass of leg artery with vein graft
Typical Patients and Diagnoses:
This procedure is often needed by patients who have significant blockage in their leg arteries, which might be due to conditions like peripheral artery disease. For instance, someone with leg pain when walking, due to poor circulation, could be a candidate for this surgery.
Associated ICD-10 Codes:
- I70.213: This code refers to narrowing of the artery that’s behind the knee, leading to blood flow problems.
- I70.223: This code involves blockage in the thigh artery, causing issues with leg circulation.
- I70.233: Indicates arterial blockage in the lower leg, impacting blood flow to the foot.
Summary
In summary, code 35566 describes a bypass surgery for improving leg circulation using a vein. Typical ICD-10 codes associated with 35566 include I70.213 (popliteal artery blockage) and I70.223 (femoral artery blockage).
Disclaimer
This post is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. “CPT” and CPT Codes are registered trademarks of the American Medical Association. HCPCS codes are managed by Medicare and are not subject to copyright.