Postprocedural cardiac arrest following cardiac surgery

This code signifies a sudden cessation of cardiac activity occurring after a cardiac surgical procedure. It indicates a life-threatening complication where the heart stops pumping blood effectively, leading to loss of consciousness and absence of breathing. This condition requires immediate resuscitation efforts.

Apply this code when documentation clearly states a cardiac arrest occurred as a direct consequence of a cardiac surgical intervention. This includes procedures like coronary artery bypass grafting, valve replacements, or congenital heart defect repairs. The medical record must specify the temporal relationship between the surgery and the arrest.

• Ensure the documentation explicitly links the cardiac arrest to the postprocedural period following cardiac surgery.
• Do not use for cardiac arrest unrelated to a surgical procedure or following non-cardiac surgery.
• Sequence this code as a secondary diagnosis, with the primary diagnosis reflecting the underlying reason for the cardiac surgery or the specific complication leading to the arrest, if applicable.