Embolism due to cardiac prosth dev/grft, initial encounter

This diagnosis code signifies the formation of a blood clot that has traveled from a prosthetic cardiac device, implant, or graft, causing an obstruction in a blood vessel. This event is directly attributable to the presence of the artificial cardiac component.

Apply this code when a patient presents with symptoms of an embolism, and diagnostic imaging or clinical assessment confirms the embolic source is a cardiac prosthetic device, such as a heart valve, pacemaker lead, or vascular graft. This code is used for the initial treatment of the embolic event.

• Ensure documentation clearly links the embolism to the cardiac prosthetic device.
• Always assign an additional code for the specific type of embolism (e.g., cerebral, pulmonary, peripheral).
• Remember the "A" seventh character indicates an initial encounter for this condition.