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Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) and extracorporeal life support (ECLS) are terms that refer to a medical procedure providing long-term heart and lung bypass support. This procedure involves circulating blood outside the body through an artificial lung, which oxygenates the blood before returning it to the bloodstream. The specific procedure described by CPT® Code 33985 pertains to the removal of central cannula(e) in patients aged birth through 5 years. The removal is performed via a transthoracic approach, which includes surgical techniques such as sternotomy or thoracotomy. These approaches involve making an incision in the chest to access the heart and lungs directly. The procedure is critical in managing patients who require prolonged support for cardiac and respiratory function, ensuring that the cannula(e) are removed safely to minimize complications such as air embolism. The careful technique employed during the removal process is essential for the patient's recovery and overall outcome.
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Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) and extracorporeal life support (ECLS) are indicated for patients who require advanced support for cardiac and respiratory failure. The specific indications for the procedure associated with CPT® Code 33985 include:
The procedure for the removal of central cannula(e) via sternotomy or thoracotomy involves several critical steps to ensure patient safety and procedural success. The steps are as follows:
Post-procedure care following the removal of central cannula(e) involves monitoring the patient for any signs of complications, such as bleeding or infection at the incision site. The patient may require continued respiratory support and close observation in a critical care setting. Recovery expectations will vary based on the patient's underlying condition and overall health status. It is essential to follow up with appropriate imaging or assessments to ensure that the vascular closure is intact and that there are no complications arising from the procedure.
| Short Descr | ECMO/ECLS RMVL CTR CANNULA | Medium Descr | ECMO/ECLS REMOVAL OF CENTRAL CANNULA BIRTH-5 YRS | Long Descr | Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO)/extracorporeal life support (ECLS) provided by physician; removal of central cannula(e) by sternotomy or thoracotomy, birth through 5 years of age | Status Code | Active Code | Global Days | 000 - Endoscopic or Minor Procedure | PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) | 0 - Physician Service Code | Multiple Procedures (51) | 2 - Standard payment adjustment rules for multiple procedures apply. | Bilateral Surgery (50) | 0 - 150% payment adjustment for bilateral procedures does NOT apply. | Physician Supervisions | 09 - Concept does not apply. | Assistant Surgeon (80, 82) | 0 - Payment restriction for assistants at surgery applies to this procedure... | Co-Surgeons (62) | 1 - Co-surgeons could be paid, though supporting documentation is required... | Team Surgery (66) | 1 - Team surgeons could be paid, though... | 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 | 1 |
| 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. | 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.) | AS | Physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or clinical nurse specialist services for assistant at surgery |
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| 2015-01-01 | Added | Added |
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