CPT® Code 35500

Add-On Code

Harvest of upper extremity vein, 1 segment, for lower extremity or coronary artery bypass procedure (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)

The CPT® Code 35500 refers to the surgical procedure involving the harvest of a segment of upper extremity vein, specifically for use in lower extremity or coronary artery bypass procedures. This procedure is essential when a suitable vein is required to create a bypass around blocked arteries, facilitating improved blood flow. The upper extremity veins, such as the brachial and basilic veins, are commonly selected due to their size and accessibility. During the procedure, a deep incision is made on the medial side of the upper arm to expose the chosen vein. The surrounding soft tissue is carefully dissected away from the vein, and any branches of the vein are ligated and divided to ensure a clean segment for harvesting. Once the appropriate length of vein is identified, it is ligated at both the proximal and distal ends, cut, and then removed from the arm. After the vein is harvested, the incision in the arm is closed, and the vein is prepared for its intended use in the bypass grafting procedure. This meticulous process is crucial for ensuring that the harvested vein segment is viable and suitable for effective grafting, ultimately contributing to the success of the bypass surgery.