ICD-10 Code I97.820 – Postprocedural cerebrovascular infarction following cardiac surgery (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code I97.820 – Postprocedural cerebrovascular infarction following cardiac surgery
What it is
This code identifies a cerebral infarction that occurs after cardiac surgery and is considered a postoperative complication. Use it when the documentation links the stroke or brain infarct directly to the cardiac procedure.
Clinical signs
Findings may include sudden focal neurologic deficits, altered speech, weakness, or other stroke features after surgery. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation and imaging or neurologic assessment when available.
When to use this code
Use I97.820 when the provider documents a cerebrovascular infarction as resulting from cardiac surgery. It is appropriate for postoperative stroke notes, discharge summaries, or complication statements that clearly connect the infarct to the surgery. Check documentation if the cause is not explicitly stated.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for preexisting stroke, transient ischemic attack, or a cerebrovascular event unrelated to surgery. Do not assign it when documentation only says “postoperative neurologic deficit” without confirming infarction.
Coding tip
Always verify that the record names cardiac surgery and postoperative infarction together before assigning this code.