Breakdown (mechanical) of artificial heart, sequela

This code signifies a long-term complication arising from a mechanical failure of an implanted artificial heart. It indicates that the patient is experiencing residual effects or conditions directly attributable to a past breakdown of their prosthetic cardiac device.

Apply this code when documenting a patient's current health status that is a direct consequence of a previously experienced mechanical breakdown of an artificial heart. This is appropriate for follow-up encounters where the sequelae of the device failure are being managed, even if the device itself has been repaired or replaced.

• Always use this code as a secondary diagnosis, following the code for the specific sequela being treated.
• Ensure documentation clearly links the current condition to a prior mechanical failure of an artificial heart.
• Do not use for acute or initial presentations of a device breakdown; those require codes from the acute phase of care.