Cerebral Embolic Protection

This month, “In the kNOW” covers the ICD-10-PCS codes that are to be used for cerebral embolic protection.

With the October 1^st 2025 ICD-10-PCS code updates, coding professionals gained a way to capture the use of cerebral embolic protection used in conjunction with procedures such as TAVRs (transcatheter aortic valve replacements). These devices are deployed as guardians of the brain. They trap any debris that becomes dislodged during a procedure, thereby preventing a stroke. 

These devices are routinely used during those types of surgical procedures, but because they were removed once the procedure was completed, they were not coded as devices. You’ll recall that in ICD-10-PCS, the definition of devices is that they remain after the procedure is complete. Previously, in order to capture these devices, a New Technology code was assigned. Now, these codes have been moved into the Medical/Surgical section of ICD-10-PCS by adding a new row to the 5A0 table (Extracorporeal or Systemic Assistance and Performance, Physiological Systems, Assistance) with the Duration character (character 5) providing the option Intraoperative. The Qualifier character (character 7) denotes the specific type of filter used. The options for the filter types are:

• M   Single-capture filter
• N    Dual-capture filter
• P     Single deflection filter
• Q    Extracorporeal Flow Reversal Circuit

The revised ICD-10-PCS table is shown below.

Here are examples of each type of filter:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Flow reversal, seen above, temporarily redirects blood flow away from the brain, sending the blood through a filter, and then back into the body through a lower extremity vein. 

Now you are In the kNOW!!

 

About the Author

Dianna Foley, RHIA, CCS, CDIP, CHPS, has 25 years of HIM experience. She earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Cincinnati and holds RHIA, CHPS, CDIP, and CCS certifications from AHIMA. Dianna’s an AHIMA-approved ICD-10-CM/PCS trainer, an AHIMA-published author, a participant in AHIMA credential item writing and exam development, and served on the AHIMA Nominating Committee. Dianna has held various HIM positions and is now an independent coding consultant. She previously served as a program director for Medical Coding and HIT. She presents on coding topics at the national, state, and regional levels and serves as OHIMA’s Education Coordinator.