CPT® Code 35211

A direct repair of an intrathoracic blood vessel involves a surgical procedure aimed at addressing injuries to blood vessels located within the thoracic cavity. This procedure typically requires the chest to be opened, which can be accomplished through a median sternotomy or alternative surgical approaches. In cases where the injury to the blood vessel is significant, cardiopulmonary bypass may be initiated to maintain blood circulation and oxygenation during the repair process. The surgical team will carefully expose the injured blood vessel and apply clamps both proximal and distal to the site of injury to effectively control any bleeding. Once the injury is adequately assessed, the edges of the damaged blood vessel are meticulously debrided to remove any non-viable tissue. The repair is then performed by reapproximating the vessel edges in an end-to-end manner using sutures. After the suturing is completed, the clamps are released, and hemostasis is thoroughly checked along the suture line to ensure there is no further bleeding. If cardiopulmonary bypass was utilized during the procedure, the patient will be gradually taken off bypass. Finally, the overlying tissues are repaired in layers to restore the integrity of the chest wall. It is important to note that CPT® Code 35211 should be used for repairs performed with cardiopulmonary bypass, while CPT® Code 35216 is designated for repairs conducted without the use of cardiopulmonary bypass.