AHA Coding Clinic® for ICD-9 - 2011 Issue 4; VOLUMES 1 & 2 NEW/REVISED CODES

Saddle Embolus

Effective October 1, 2011, new codes were created to uniquely identify saddle embolus of pulmonary artery (415.13), saddle embolus of abdominal aorta (444.01) and other arterial embolism and thrombosis of abdominal aorta (444.09). Saddle emboli are one of the most severe forms of embolism and are associated with high mortality rates. Patient salvage depends on making an early diagnosis, although there is still controversy regarding the ideal therapeutic strategy for confirmed cases. The aorta is the most common site for a saddle embolus, but it may occur at other sites, such as the pulmonary artery. Prior...

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