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Official Description

Revision, open, arteriovenous fistula; without thrombectomy, autogenous or nonautogenous dialysis graft (separate procedure)

© Copyright 2026 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

An open revision of an arteriovenous (AV) fistula is a surgical procedure aimed at correcting complications that may arise from the initial creation of the fistula, which is typically used for dialysis access. This procedure is necessary when issues such as stenosis (narrowing of the blood vessel), thrombus formation (blood clot), or occlusion (blockage) occur in the AV fistula, particularly when it has been constructed using a graft. The surgical intervention involves making an incision in the skin and soft tissue over the affected area, allowing the surgeon to access the graft, artery, and vein directly. During the procedure, the blood vessels and graft are carefully dissected from the surrounding tissue to expose the problematic segment. To manage blood flow during the operation, vessel loops are placed both upstream and downstream of the stenosed area. If a thrombus is identified, it is removed through direct exposure, and techniques such as arterial back pressure or massage may be employed to facilitate the removal of the clot. The revision process may include the placement of a vein patch or the excision of the stenosed segment, followed by the attachment of a new segment of either autogenous vein or nonautogenous graft material. The use of a patch graft, often derived from the saphenous vein, involves tailoring an elliptical patch to cover the narrowed segment, which is then sutured in place to enhance the diameter and improve blood flow. Alternatively, if excision is performed, a new tubular segment of vein or a nonautogenous graft is sutured to the remaining segments of the graft or blood vessels. The procedure concludes with the release of vessel loops, verification of hemostasis, and completion angiography to confirm the patency of the revised AV fistula.

© Copyright 2026 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The open revision of an arteriovenous (AV) fistula is indicated in the following situations:

  • Stenosis - A narrowing of the blood vessel that can impede blood flow through the AV fistula.
  • Thrombus Formation - The presence of a blood clot within the AV fistula that obstructs blood flow.
  • Occlusion - A complete blockage of the AV fistula, which may require surgical intervention to restore function.

2. Procedure

The procedure for the open revision of an arteriovenous fistula involves several critical steps:

  • Incision - An incision is made in the skin and soft tissue over the area where stenosis or blockage is identified. This allows access to the underlying blood vessels and graft.
  • Exposure - The graft, artery, and vein are carefully exposed by dissecting them free from surrounding tissue. This step is crucial for visualizing the area that requires revision.
  • Control of Blood Flow - Vessel loops are placed both proximal and distal to the stenosed area to control blood flow during the procedure, ensuring a clear working field.
  • Thrombus Removal - If a thrombus is present, it is removed through direct exposure. Techniques such as applying arterial back pressure or gentle massage may be used to facilitate the expulsion of the clot.
  • Revision of the Graft - The graft may be revised by either placing a vein patch or excising the stenosed segment. If a patch graft is used, a segment of vein, typically the saphenous vein, is harvested and tailored to fit over the narrowed segment. The patch is then sutured into place to increase the diameter and improve blood flow.
  • Excision of Stenosed Segment - Alternatively, if excision is performed, a tubular segment of new vein is harvested or a nonautogenous graft is prepared. This new segment is then sutured to the remaining proximal and distal segments of the graft or blood vessels.
  • Completion Steps - After the revision, vessel loops are released, hemostasis is checked to ensure there is no bleeding, and completion angiography is performed to confirm that the revised AV fistula is patent and functioning properly.

3. Post-Procedure

Post-procedure care for patients undergoing an open revision of an arteriovenous fistula typically includes monitoring for signs of complications such as bleeding or infection at the incision site. Patients may also be advised on how to care for the surgical site and when to seek medical attention. Follow-up appointments are essential to assess the function of the revised AV fistula and to ensure that blood flow is adequate for dialysis. Additionally, patients may require imaging studies to evaluate the patency of the fistula after the procedure.

Short Descr AV FISTULA REVISION OPEN
Medium Descr REVJ OPN ARVEN FSTL W/O THRMBC DIAL GRF
Long Descr Revision, open, arteriovenous fistula; without thrombectomy, autogenous or nonautogenous dialysis graft (separate procedure)
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) 0 - 150% payment adjustment for bilateral procedures does NOT apply.
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 Hospital Part B services paid through a comprehensive APC
ASC Payment Indicator Surgical procedure on ASC list in CY 2007; payment based on OPPS relative payment weight.
Type of Service (TOS) 2 - Surgery
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) P2F - Major procedure, cardiovascular-Other
MUE 2
CCS Clinical Classification 57 - Creation, revision and removal of arteriovenous fistula or vessel-to-vessel cannula for dialysis

This is a primary code that can be used with these additional add-on codes.

36907 CPT Add On MPFS Status: Active Code APC N ASC N1 Transluminal balloon angioplasty, central dialysis segment, performed through dialysis circuit, including all imaging and radiological supervision and interpretation required to perform the angioplasty (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
36908 CPT Add On MPFS Status: Active Code APC N ASC N1 Transcatheter placement of intravascular stent(s), central dialysis segment, performed through dialysis circuit, including all imaging and radiological supervision and interpretation required to perform the stenting, and all angioplasty in the central dialysis segment (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
LT Left side (used to identify procedures performed on the left side of the body)
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
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.)
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
SG Ambulatory surgical center (asc) facility service
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).
X5 Diagnostic services requested by another clinician: for reporting services by a clinician who furnishes care to the patient only as requested by another clinician or subsequent and related services requested by another clinician; this modifier is reported for patient relationships that may not be adequately captured by the above alternative categories; reporting clinician service examples include but are not limited to, the radiologist's interpretation of an imaging study requested by another clinician
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.
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).
53 Discontinued procedure: under certain circumstances, the physician or other qualified health care professional may elect to terminate a surgical or diagnostic procedure. due to extenuating circumstances or those that threaten the well being of the patient, it may be necessary to indicate that a surgical or diagnostic procedure was started but discontinued. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 53 to the code reported by the individual for the discontinued procedure. note: this modifier is not used to report the elective cancellation of a procedure prior to the patient's anesthesia induction and/or surgical preparation in the operating suite. for outpatient hospital/ambulatory surgery center (asc) 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).
54 Surgical care only: when 1 physician or other qualified health care professional performs a surgical procedure and another provides preoperative and/or postoperative management, surgical services may be identified by adding modifier 54 to the usual procedure number.
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.
74 Discontinued out-patient hospital/ambulatory surgery center (asc) procedure after administration of anesthesia: due to extenuating circumstances or those that threaten the well being of the patient, the physician may terminate a surgical or diagnostic procedure after the administration of anesthesia (local, regional block(s), general) or after the procedure was started (incision made, intubation started, scope inserted, etc). under these circumstances, the procedure started but terminated can be reported by its usual procedure number and the addition of modifier 74. note: the elective cancellation of a service prior to the administration of anesthesia and/or surgical preparation of the patient should not be reported. for physician reporting of a discontinued procedure, see modifier 53.
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.
77 Repeat procedure by another physician or other qualified health care professional: it may be necessary to indicate that a basic procedure or service was repeated by another physician or other qualified health care professional subsequent to the original procedure or service. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 77 to the repeated procedure or service. note: this modifier should not be appended to an e/m service.
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).
AG Primary physician
AQ Physician providing a service in an unlisted health professional shortage area (hpsa)
CC Procedure code change (use 'cc' when the procedure code submitted was changed either for administrative reasons or because an incorrect code was filed)
CR Catastrophe/disaster related
GV Attending physician not employed or paid under arrangement by the patient's hospice provider
GW Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition
PD Diagnostic or related non diagnostic item or service provided in a wholly owned or operated entity to a patient who is admitted as an inpatient within 3 days
Q0 Investigational clinical service provided in a clinical research study that is in an approved clinical research study
Q6 Service furnished under a fee-for-time compensation arrangement by a substitute physician or by a substitute physical therapist furnishing outpatient physical therapy services in a health professional shortage area, a medically underserved area, or a rural area
X4 Episodic/focused services: for reporting services by clinicians who provide focused care on particular types of treatment limited to a defined period and circumstance; the patient has a problem, acute or chronic, that will be treated with surgery, radiation, or some other type of generally time-limited intervention; reporting clinician service examples include but are not limited to, the orthopedic surgeon performing a knee replacement and seeing the patient through the postoperative period
XE Separate encounter, a service that is distinct because it occurred during a separate encounter
XP Separate practitioner, a service that is distinct because it was performed by a different practitioner
XS Separate structure, a service that is distinct because it was performed on a separate organ/structure
Date
Action
Notes
2011-01-01 Changed Short description changed.
2001-01-01 Changed Code description changed.
1990-01-01 Added First appearance in code book in 1990.
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