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Official Description

Thromboendarterectomy, including patch graft, if performed; mesenteric, celiac, or renal

© Copyright 2026 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

Thromboendarterectomy is a surgical procedure aimed at removing a thrombus, which can be a blood clot or atherosclerotic plaque, from the walls of an occluded artery. This procedure is specifically performed on the abdominal aorta or the mesenteric, celiac, or renal arteries. The process begins with an incision in the abdomen to expose the affected blood vessel. Once the thrombosed section is identified, it is carefully isolated and dissected from surrounding structures. To maintain blood flow during the procedure, a temporary shunt may be placed. Vascular clamps are then applied both proximal and distal to the obstructed area to control blood flow. The artery is incised, allowing for the removal of the thrombus and any associated plaque. The intima, which is the inner lining of the artery, is also removed to enhance the diameter of the vessel. After the thrombus and intima are excised, the remaining healthy intima is sutured back to the artery walls. The artery is then repaired either through primary suturing or by using a patch graft, which can be either venous or synthetic, to further enlarge the vessel's diameter. If a shunt was utilized, it is removed before the clamps are taken off, allowing blood flow to resume. Finally, the surgical site is closed in layers, ensuring proper healing and recovery.

© Copyright 2026 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The thromboendarterectomy procedure is indicated for patients presenting with specific vascular conditions that necessitate the removal of occlusions in the mesenteric, celiac, or renal arteries. These indications may include:

  • Occlusive Vascular Disease - This includes conditions where blood flow is significantly reduced or blocked due to thrombus or plaque buildup in the arteries.
  • Ischemic Symptoms - Patients may exhibit symptoms of ischemia, such as abdominal pain, renal dysfunction, or gastrointestinal complications due to inadequate blood supply.
  • Diagnosis of Atherosclerosis - The presence of atherosclerotic lesions in the mesenteric, celiac, or renal arteries may warrant intervention to restore normal blood flow.

2. Procedure

The thromboendarterectomy procedure involves several critical steps to ensure the successful removal of the thrombus and restoration of blood flow. These steps include:

  • Access Incision - A surgical incision is made in the abdomen to provide access to the affected blood vessel, allowing the surgeon to visualize and operate on the occluded artery.
  • Isolation of the Thrombosed Artery - The thrombosed section of the mesenteric, celiac, or renal artery is carefully isolated from surrounding tissues to prevent damage to adjacent structures during the procedure.
  • Placement of Temporary Shunt - To maintain perfusion to the distal artery during the operation, a temporary shunt may be inserted, allowing blood to bypass the obstructed area.
  • Application of Vascular Clamps - Clamps are placed both proximal and distal to the occluded segment of the artery to control blood flow and create a bloodless field for the surgical intervention.
  • Incision of the Artery - The artery is incised to access the thrombus and plaque. This step is crucial for the removal of the obstructive material.
  • Removal of Thrombus and Plaque - The thrombus and any atherosclerotic plaque are meticulously excised from the artery to restore patency and improve blood flow.
  • Separation of the Intima - The intima, or inner lining of the artery, is separated from the arterial wall and removed to increase the diameter of the vessel, facilitating better blood flow.
  • Suturing of the Intima - The edges of the remaining healthy intima are sutured back to the arterial walls to ensure proper healing and maintain the integrity of the vessel.
  • Repair of the Artery - The artery is repaired either through primary suturing or by applying a patch graft, which may be venous or synthetic, to enlarge the diameter of the artery.
  • Removal of Temporary Shunt - If a shunt was used, it is removed after the artery has been repaired and blood flow is restored.
  • Restoration of Blood Flow - The vascular clamps are removed, allowing blood to flow through the artery once again.
  • Hemostasis Check - The surgical site is checked for hemostasis to ensure there is no active bleeding at the suture line.
  • Closure of the Surgical Site - The overlying tissues are closed in layers to promote healing and minimize complications.

3. Post-Procedure

After the thromboendarterectomy procedure, patients are typically monitored for any signs of complications, such as bleeding or infection. Recovery may involve a hospital stay where vital signs are closely observed. Patients may be advised on activity restrictions and follow-up appointments to assess the success of the procedure and ensure proper healing. Pain management and monitoring for any recurrence of ischemic symptoms are also important aspects of post-procedure care. Rehabilitation may be recommended to help restore normal function and improve overall vascular health.

Short Descr RECHANNELING OF ARTERY
Medium Descr TEAEC W/WO PATCH GRAFT MESENTERIC CELIAC/RENAL
Long Descr Thromboendarterectomy, including patch graft, if performed; mesenteric, celiac, or renal
Status Code Active Code
Global Days 090 - Major Surgery
PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) 0 - Physician Service Code
Multiple Procedures (51) 2 - Standard payment adjustment rules for multiple procedures apply.
Bilateral Surgery (50) 1 - 150% payment adjustment for bilateral procedures applies.
Physician Supervisions 09 - Concept does not apply.
Assistant Surgeon (80, 82) 2 - Payment restriction for assistants at surgery does not apply to this procedure...
Co-Surgeons (62) 1 - Co-surgeons could be paid, though supporting documentation is required...
Team Surgery (66) 0 - Team surgeons not permitted for this procedure.
Diagnostic Imaging Family 99 - Concept Does Not Apply
APC Status Indicator Inpatient Procedures, not paid under OPPS
Type of Service (TOS) 2 - Surgery
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) P2F - Major procedure, cardiovascular-Other
MUE 3
CCS Clinical Classification 61 - Other OR procedures on vessels other than head and neck
22 Increased procedural services: when the work required to provide a service is substantially greater than typically required, it may be identified by adding modifier 22 to the usual procedure code. documentation must support the substantial additional work and the reason for the additional work (ie, increased intensity, time, technical difficulty of procedure, severity of patient's condition, physical and mental effort required). note: this modifier should not be appended to an e/m service.
50 Bilateral procedure: unless otherwise identified in the listings, bilateral procedures that are performed at the same session, should be identified by adding modifier 50 to the appropriate 5 digit code. note: this modifier should not be appended to designated "add-on" codes (see appendix d).
51 Multiple procedures: when multiple procedures, other than e/m services, physical medicine and rehabilitation services or provision of supplies (eg, vaccines), are performed at the same session by the same individual, the primary procedure or service may be reported as listed. the additional procedure(s) or service(s) may be identified by appending modifier 51 to the additional procedure or service code(s). note: this modifier should not be appended to designated "add-on" codes (see appendix d).
52 Reduced services: under certain circumstances a service or procedure is partially reduced or eliminated at the discretion of the physician or other qualified health care professional. under these circumstances the service provided can be identified by its usual procedure number and the addition of modifier 52, signifying that the service is reduced. this provides a means of reporting reduced services without disturbing the identification of the basic service. note: for hospital outpatient reporting of a previously scheduled procedure/service that is partially reduced or cancelled as a result of extenuating circumstances or those that threaten the well-being of the patient prior to or after administration of anesthesia, see modifiers 73 and 74 (see modifiers approved for asc hospital outpatient use).
58 Staged or related procedure or service by the same physician or other qualified health care professional during the postoperative period: it may be necessary to indicate that the performance of a procedure or service during the postoperative period was: (a) planned or anticipated (staged); (b) more extensive than the original procedure; or (c) for therapy following a surgical procedure. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 58 to the staged or related procedure. note: for treatment of a problem that requires a return to the operating/procedure room (eg, unanticipated clinical condition), see modifier 78.
59 Distinct procedural service: under certain circumstances, it may be necessary to indicate that a procedure or service was distinct or independent from other non-e/m services performed on the same day. modifier 59 is used to identify procedures/services, other than e/m services, that are not normally reported together, but are appropriate under the circumstances. documentation must support a different session, different procedure or surgery, different site or organ system, separate incision/excision, separate lesion, or separate injury (or area of injury in extensive injuries) not ordinarily encountered or performed on the same day by the same individual. however, when another already established modifier is appropriate it should be used rather than modifier 59. only if no more descriptive modifier is available, and the use of modifier 59 best explains the circumstances, should modifier 59 be used. note: modifier 59 should not be appended to an e/m service. to report a separate and distinct e/m service with a non-e/m service performed on the same date, see modifier 25.
62 Two surgeons: when 2 surgeons work together as primary surgeons performing distinct part(s) of a procedure, each surgeon should report his/her distinct operative work by adding modifier 62 to the procedure code and any associated add-on code(s) for that procedure as long as both surgeons continue to work together as primary surgeons. each surgeon should report the co-surgery once using the same procedure code. if additional procedure(s) (including add-on procedure(s) are performed during the same surgical session, separate code(s) may also be reported with modifier 62 added. note: if a co-surgeon acts as an assistant in the performance of additional procedure(s), other than those reported with the modifier 62, during the same surgical session, those services may be reported using separate procedure code(s) with modifier 80 or modifier 82 added, as appropriate.
76 Repeat procedure or service by same physician or other qualified health care professional: it may be necessary to indicate that a procedure or service was repeated by the same physician or other qualified health care professional subsequent to the original procedure or service. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 76 to the repeated procedure or service. note: this modifier should not be appended to an e/m service.
78 Unplanned return to the operating/procedure room by the same physician or other qualified health care professional following initial procedure for a related procedure during the postoperative period: it may be necessary to indicate that another procedure was performed during the postoperative period of the initial procedure (unplanned procedure following initial procedure). when this procedure is related to the first, and requires the use of an operating/procedure room, it may be reported by adding modifier 78 to the related procedure. (for repeat procedures, see modifier 76.)
79 Unrelated procedure or service by the same physician or other qualified health care professional during the postoperative period: the individual may need to indicate that the performance of a procedure or service during the postoperative period was unrelated to the original procedure. this circumstance may be reported by using modifier 79. (for repeat procedures on the same day, see modifier 76.)
80 Assistant surgeon: surgical assistant services may be identified by adding modifier 80 to the usual procedure number(s).
82 Assistant surgeon (when qualified resident surgeon not available): the unavailability of a qualified resident surgeon is a prerequisite for use of modifier 82 appended to the usual procedure code number(s).
AS Physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or clinical nurse specialist services for assistant at surgery
GC This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician
LT Left side (used to identify procedures performed on the left side of the body)
RT Right side (used to identify procedures performed on the right side of the body)
XU Unusual non-overlapping service, the use of a service that is distinct because it does not overlap usual components of the main service
Date
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2007-01-01 Changed Code description changed.
Pre-1990 Added Code added.
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