Ask Dr. Z

How should this be coded it was done with a CABG? 

"Prior to any manipulation of the heart the decision was made to perform a transaortic, ventriculoscope assisted left apical thrombectomy. A transverse aortotomy was then performed about 0.5 cm above the sinotubular junction. The aortic valve leaflets were then carefully identified. A smooth S shaped retractor was then used to retract the right coronary leaflet out of the way. A 30 degree angled 5 mm scope was then introduced into the left ventricle. The thrombus was then identified. The thrombus was identified as a globular appearing mass at the apex (ventriculoscopy pictures in patient's chart). The decision was then made to remove the thrombus with forceps. Once the thrombus was encountered and a few pieces were removed with the forceps it was quite obvious the thrombus was friable and the forceps will be inadequate for removal. The decision was then made to remove thrombus using a sucker tip. A sucker was introduced and removed friable thrombus."