Leakage of biological heart valve graft, sequela

This code describes the long-term or late-onset complication of a biological heart valve graft that is leaking. This leakage indicates a failure of the valve to close properly, leading to regurgitation of blood. It represents a persistent or residual effect of the initial valve graft procedure.

Use this code when a patient presents with symptoms or diagnostic findings (e.g., echocardiogram) confirming leakage of a previously implanted biological heart valve graft, and the condition is considered a sequela. This applies to chronic or residual leakage, not acute post-operative complications. It is appropriate for follow-up encounters addressing the long-term consequences of the valve graft failure.

• Always assign this code as a secondary diagnosis when a more specific code for the current manifestation (e.g., heart failure due to valve leakage) is available.
• Ensure documentation clearly states "biological" heart valve graft and specifies "leakage" as a sequela.
• Do not use for mechanical heart valve complications; refer to codes in the T82.8- series for those.