TAMBE Device

“In the kNOW” looks at the TAMBE Device in this installment.

A TAMBE Device is also called a Thoracoabdominal Branch Endoprosthesis. This device is a stent graft used in the treatment of a thoracoabdominal or pararenal aortic aneurysms. Here is what the device looks like:

Source: https://www.medschool.umaryland.edu/vascular-research/ongoing-research/

As you can see, this is a one-piece stent graft. In the past, separate ICD-10-PCS codes were required to capture the device in each body part. With the FY2025 ICD-10-PCS code updates, a new body part was added in the New Technology, Cardiovascular System, Restriction table. The new body part is for the descending thoracic aorta and abdominal aorta in one. This is captured with a 4^th character of E. Direction is also given to coding professionals that the 6^th character that should be assigned is S for branched intraluminal device, manufactured integrated system, four or more arteries.

Coding professionals need to take care that they do not assign this code for every thoracoabdominal aneurysm repair. This code, X2VE3SA, reflects the combined part restricted with a single stent graft specifically manufactured in such a way as both body parts are restricted and four or more covered stents are available. Remember that when doing an aneurysm repair, the four visceral arteries cannot be blocked as they provide blood flow to a large part of the body. This is like the three precerebral arteries that branch off the aortic arch. 

Now you are In the kNOW!!

About the Author

Dianna Foley, RHIA, CHPS, CCS, CDIP, 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 Eastern Gateway Community College’s 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.