Understanding Femoral Artery Occlusion, also known as Femoral Artery Blockage or SFA Occlusion, is crucial for accurate healthcare documentation and medical coding. This condition, starting with the letter F, impacts blood flow and requires precise clinical documentation for effective treatment. Learn about diagnosis, treatment, and ICD-10 codes related to Femoral Artery Occlusion for optimized clinical care and accurate medical billing. Improve your understanding of this vascular condition and its implications for patient health.
Also known as
Diseases of arteries, arterioles and capillaries
Covers various arterial diseases, including occlusion.
Peripheral vascular disease, unspecified
A general code for peripheral vascular issues when a more specific one isn't available.
Atherosclerosis of arteries of extremities
Specifically relates to atherosclerosis in limb arteries, a common cause of occlusion.
Follow this step-by-step guide to choose the correct ICD-10 code.
Is the femoral artery occlusion acute?
Yes
Right leg affected?
No
Chronic occlusion?
When to use each related code
| Description |
|---|
| Blockage in the femoral artery, reducing leg blood flow. |
| Narrowing of the femoral artery, restricting blood flow to the leg. |
| Peripheral artery disease affecting the lower extremities. |
Missing or incorrect laterality (right, left, bilateral) for the femoral artery occlusion impacts reimbursement and data accuracy.
Coding F/SFA occlusion requires specifying acute vs. chronic, complete vs. partial, for accurate severity reflection.
Failing to code underlying conditions like atherosclerosis or trauma contributing to the femoral artery occlusion can lead to underreporting.
Q: What are the key differentiating factors in diagnosing femoral artery occlusion versus other lower extremity arterial diseases like superficial femoral artery stenosis or popliteal artery occlusion?
A: Differentiating femoral artery occlusion from other lower extremity arterial diseases requires careful clinical evaluation and diagnostic imaging. While all three conditions can present with claudication or critical limb ischemia, the location of pain and specific findings on physical exam and imaging studies are crucial. Femoral artery occlusion typically presents with pain in the thigh and calf, absent femoral pulses, and a cool, pale limb. Superficial femoral artery (SFA) stenosis, while causing similar symptoms, often retains palpable distal pulses. Popliteal artery occlusion presents with calf pain and absent pedal pulses, with palpable femoral pulses. Duplex ultrasound is often the initial diagnostic test, but computed tomography angiography (CTA) or magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) can provide more detailed visualization for definitive diagnosis and surgical planning. Explore how advanced imaging techniques like CTA and MRA can improve diagnostic accuracy in differentiating these conditions.
Q: How do recent advances in endovascular techniques, such as drug-coated balloons or atherectomy, compare to traditional bypass surgery for treating femoral artery occlusion, considering factors like patency rates, complication risks, and patient recovery time?
A: Endovascular techniques like drug-coated balloons and atherectomy have emerged as valuable alternatives to traditional bypass surgery for treating femoral artery occlusion. While bypass surgery remains an important option, particularly for long-segment occlusions or patients unsuitable for endovascular interventions, these newer techniques often offer several advantages. Drug-coated balloons can improve patency rates compared to plain old balloon angioplasty, minimizing restenosis. Atherectomy devices allow for removal of plaque, potentially leading to better immediate results and facilitating subsequent interventions. Generally, endovascular procedures are associated with shorter recovery times, less post-operative pain, and reduced risk of wound complications compared to open surgery. However, long-term patency rates may still favor bypass grafting in certain situations. Consider implementing a patient-specific approach, carefully weighing factors such as occlusion length, overall health status, and anatomical considerations when deciding between endovascular and surgical treatment options. Learn more about the latest clinical trial data comparing these approaches.
Patient presents with symptoms suggestive of femoral artery occlusion, including intermittent claudication characterized by leg pain, cramping, or aching in the thigh, calf, or buttock muscles during exercise and relieved by rest. The patient may also report symptoms of critical limb ischemia such as rest pain, non-healing ulcers, or gangrene in the affected limb. Physical examination revealed diminished or absent femoral, popliteal, or pedal pulses distal to the occlusion. A bruit may be audible over the affected femoral artery. The limb may exhibit pallor, coolness, and decreased capillary refill time. Duplex ultrasound is the primary diagnostic modality for confirming femoral artery occlusion, demonstrating reduced or absent blood flow in the femoral artery segment. Angiography may be performed for further evaluation and treatment planning. Differential diagnosis includes other peripheral artery diseases, such as popliteal artery entrapment syndrome and Buerger's disease. Treatment options for femoral artery occlusion include lifestyle modifications like smoking cessation and supervised exercise programs, pharmacotherapy with antiplatelet agents and statins, endovascular interventions such as angioplasty and stenting, and surgical bypass grafting. The specific treatment approach will depend on the severity of the occlusion, the extent of ischemia, and the patient's overall health status. Risk factors for femoral artery occlusion include atherosclerosis, diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, smoking, and family history of peripheral artery disease. Patient education regarding risk factor modification and medication adherence is crucial for optimal management and prevention of future complications.