CPT® Code 35539

A bypass graft is a surgical procedure designed to create an alternative pathway for blood flow around a diseased or obstructed segment of the lower aorta, which is the main artery supplying blood to the lower body. This procedure specifically involves the use of a vein, which can be harvested from the patient or obtained from a donor, to form a graft. The surgery typically begins with a lower abdominal incision to access the aorta. Once the aorta is exposed, clamps are applied above the area of obstruction to control blood flow. In some cases, the aorta may be tied off above the obstructed section. The harvested vein graft is then sutured to the aorta, establishing a new route for blood flow. A vessel clamp is placed on the venous graft while the aortic clamp is released to check for any leaks at the site where the graft is attached, known as the anastomosis site. Following this, the femoral artery is clamped distal to the graft site, and the other end of the vein graft is sutured into the iliac artery. The surgical team will again check for leaks and ensure that the graft is patent, meaning it is open and allowing blood to flow properly, before closing the abdominal incision. This procedure is coded as CPT® Code 35539 when the bypass graft is performed from the aorta to one femoral artery, while CPT® Code 35540 is used when the graft extends to both femoral arteries.