AHA Coding Clinic® for ICD-9 - 2008 Issue 2; Ask the Editor

Spinal Fusion Surgery with Intra-Operative Placement of Gore-Tex Preclude Vessel Guard

A patient underwent anterior discectomy, insertion of a BAK interbody cage and anterior spinal fusion (L5-S1). At the completion of the spinal fusion, retroperitoneal exposure of L5-S1 was accomplished. The Gore Tex Preclude vessel guard was then placed over the exposed portion of the proximal sacrum, the vertebral body of L5, the space underneath the bifurcation, and secured in place with staples to provide protection between the vessel and the vertebral repair. Is the placement of the vessel guard coded separately? What are the appropriate procedure code assignments? ...

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