Coding Rules Current as at 18-Oct-2016 08: 31

Published 15 June 2015,
for implementation 01 July 2015.

Note: refer to NZCA coding query Retroperitoneal fibrosis with ureteric obstruction and hydronephrosis

Ref No: Q2965 | Published On: 15-Jun-2015 | Status: Current

SUBJECT: Procurement of iliac vessels with multiple organs for transplantation

Q:

How do you code procurement of iliac artery and vein, harvested with multiple organs for transplantation?

A:

Procurement of iliac vessels is inherent in procurement of multiple organs for transplantation.

Iliac vessels (common, external and internal iliac artery and vein) are commonly collected to provide ‘backup’ material for the reconstruction of vessels in the retrieved organ and/or in the recipient. The ‘backup’ vessels are most often used with liver, pancreas, small intestine or kidney transplantation. For example, harvested iliac vessels may be used if kidney vessels are damaged during procurement. Clinical advice agrees that iliac vasculature is not harvested with the intention of being a “free standing” transplant in its own right.

Therefore, it is not necessary to assign a specific code for iliac vessels harvested as part of multiple organ procurement for transplantation. Assign procurement procedure codes for the specific organs harvested – see ACS 0030 Organ and tissue procurement and transplantation, Organ/tissue procurement and transplantation table.

Enhancements to ACHI will be considered for a future edition.