BETA v.3.0

2025 CPT code 33720

Repair of sinus of Valsalva aneurysm, with cardiopulmonary bypass.

Code 33720 should be used when cardiopulmonary bypass is used during the repair. Use additional code(s) such as code 33405 if aortic valve replacement was also performed.

Modifiers may be applicable to indicate specific circumstances of the procedure, such as increased procedural services (modifier 22) or the presence of multiple procedures (modifier 51).

Medical necessity is established by documentation of symptoms related to the aneurysm, evidence of rapid enlargement, presence of thrombus within the aneurysm, compromise of surrounding structures, or recurrent aneurysm.

The surgeon performs the procedure, including opening the chest, connecting the patient to cardiopulmonary bypass, repairing the aneurysm and possibly the aortic valve, and closing the incision.

In simple words: This procedure fixes a bulge in a major heart artery using a heart-lung machine. The surgeon opens the chest, connects the patient to the machine, fixes the bulge, and then closes the chest.

This code describes a surgical procedure to repair a sinus of Valsalva aneurysm, a bulge or dilation in the aorta above the aortic valve, using cardiopulmonary bypass. The procedure involves opening the chest, typically through a median sternotomy, placing the patient on cardiopulmonary bypass, exposing the aneurysm, closing the neck of the aneurysm with sutures, repairing or replacing the aortic valve if necessary, discontinuing bypass, restarting the heart, and closing the chest.

Example 1: A 35-year-old patient presents with a symptomatic sinus of Valsalva aneurysm and undergoes surgical repair using cardiopulmonary bypass., A 50-year-old patient with a rapidly enlarging sinus of Valsalva aneurysm undergoes surgical repair with concomitant aortic valve replacement., A 25-year-old patient with a sinus of Valsalva aneurysm containing an intra-luminal thrombus undergoes surgical repair using cardiopulmonary bypass.

Documentation should include operative notes detailing the size and location of the aneurysm, the method of repair, any concurrent procedures (e.g., valve repair/replacement), and the use of cardiopulmonary bypass. Pre- and post-operative imaging studies should also be documented.

  • Specialties:Cardiothoracic Surgery, Cardiac Surgery
  • Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital
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