S35.12 Major laceration of inferior vena cava

ICD-10-CM S35.12: Major laceration of inferior vena cava

ICD-10-CM code S35.12 represents a major laceration of the inferior vena cava, classified under the broader parent category of injury to this vein. The terminology record is active and identifies the concept as an injury or poisoning. This code is distinct from unspecified, minor, or other inferior vena cava injuries. 1 5

Plain-language overview

ICD-10-CM code S35.12 identifies a major laceration of the inferior vena cava, functioning as a specific diagnostic label within the standardized medical terminology system. 1

What this code represents

The code S35.12 is an active terminology concept with the semantic type of injury or poisoning, and it does not have any narrower subordinate concepts within the ICD-10-CM hierarchy. 1

Within the ICD-10-CM hierarchy, S35.12 falls under the parent concept S35.1, which encompasses injuries of the inferior vena cava, distinguishing it from minor lacerations or transections. 1 5

Coding details

The S35.12 code serves as a base for extension codes, such as S35.12XS, which specifies a sequela encounter for a major laceration of the inferior vena cava. 3

Code S35.12 is listed alongside other specific inferior vena cava injuries, including minor laceration S35.11, complete transection, and traumatic rupture, establishing its specific clinical scope. 5

Documentation considerations

A coding manual places S35.12 in a hierarchy distinguishing it from unspecified, minor, superficial, incomplete, and complete transections of the inferior vena cava. 5

What the sources add

While terminology records define S35.12 as a major laceration, clinical literature discusses the inferior vena cava in the context of filter placement following contraindicated anticoagulation and splenic laceration. 1 2

The official terminology record confirms the code is active for the 2026 ICD-10-CM release, while a separate coding manual outlines its placement among various inferior vena cava injury subdivisions. 1 5

Coverage and utilization context

The provided sources establish the clinical definition and hierarchical placement of S35.12 but do not contain payer-specific coverage guidelines or utilization parameters for this diagnosis code. 1 5

Sources

1. ICD-10-CM S35.12 terminology record — National Cancer Institute Enterprise Vocabulary Services; accessed 2026-07-27.
2. Inferior Vena Cava Filtration in the Management of Venous Thromboembolism: Filtering the Data — pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov; accessed 2026-07-27.
3. EVS Explore — evsexplore.semantics.cancer.gov; accessed 2026-07-27.
4. EVS Explore — evsexplore.semantics.cancer.gov; accessed 2026-07-27.
5. ICD-10-CM Expert for Skilled Nursing Facilities and ... — optumcoding.com; accessed 2026-07-27.