AHA Coding Clinic® for ICD-9 - 2010 Issue 4; Volume 3 New/Revised Codes

Thoracoscopic and Thoracoscopically-Assisted Ablation of Heart Tissue (Maze Procedure)

Effective October 1, 2010, a new code has been created to specifically describe the maze procedure performed via a thoracoscopic approach or a thoracoscopically-assisted approach (37.37). Previously the procedure classification only provided codes for maze procedures performed via an open chest approach (37.33) and an endovascular approach (37.34). The maze procedure is a surgical approach used to treat atrial fibrillation by creating lines or scars which block conduction pathways in the heart itself. The classic maze procedure is performed through an open chest approach, creating the lines with a scalpel by a carefully placed pattern of...

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