Injury to innominate and subclavian arteries

This code signifies traumatic damage to the major arteries supplying the head, neck, and upper limbs, specifically the innominate (brachiocephalic) artery and the subclavian arteries. Injuries can range from contusions and lacerations to complete transections, often resulting from blunt or penetrating trauma to the chest or supraclavicular region.

Assign this code for documented injuries to the innominate or subclavian arteries, such as those sustained in motor vehicle accidents, falls, or stab/gunshot wounds. Documentation should clearly specify the affected artery and the nature of the injury (e.g., transection, pseudoaneurysm, dissection).

• Ensure the documentation specifies arterial injury, not venous, as separate codes exist for venous trauma.
• Always code the underlying cause of the injury (E-code) in addition to the arterial injury.
• Be mindful of laterality if specified (e.g., left vs. right subclavian artery), although this specific ICD-9 code does not differentiate.