2025 CPT code 33788
Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Surgery - Surgical Procedures on the Cardiovascular System Feed
Reimplantation of an anomalous pulmonary artery.
Modifiers may be applicable to 33788. Refer to current CPT guidelines.
Medical necessity for 33788 must be clearly documented. This includes evidence of significant hemodynamic compromise or other clinical symptoms resulting from the anomalous pulmonary artery, such as cyanosis, shortness of breath, or heart failure. The documentation should support the need for surgical intervention to restore normal blood flow.
In simple words: This surgery fixes a problem with the pulmonary artery, the blood vessel that carries blood from the heart to the lungs. Sometimes, this artery is connected to the wrong part of the heart. The surgeon will open the chest, use a machine to do the work of the heart and lungs, and then carefully detach the artery and reattach it to the correct location. A patch may be used to close the hole where the artery was originally attached. Sometimes, a small tube or graft may be needed to help reconnect the artery. This helps the blood flow correctly from the heart to the lungs.
This procedure involves the repair and reimplantation of a pulmonary artery with an existing defect. It is commonly performed for the repair of an anomalous (abnormal) origin of the pulmonary artery. The surgeon incises the chest and initiates cardiopulmonary bypass. A cardioplegic solution is infused to temporarily stop the heart. The anomalous pulmonary artery is divided from where it joins the aorta, and the defect is closed with a patch. An incision is made in the main pulmonary artery, and the anomalous artery is attached, either directly, with an extension, or, in rare cases, with a prosthesis. The incision is closed with sutures, and chest or drainage tubes may be placed.
Example 1: A newborn is diagnosed with transposition of the great arteries, where the pulmonary artery and aorta are switched. Code 33788 is used for the reimplantation of the pulmonary artery to its correct position., A child has an anomalous origin of the left pulmonary artery from the ascending aorta. The surgeon performs a reimplantation of the left pulmonary artery to the main pulmonary artery, which is coded as 33788., An adult with pulmonary atresia and ventricular septal defect undergoes surgery. Part of the procedure involves reimplanting the pulmonary artery, coded as 33788.
Operative report detailing the procedure, including the specific location of the anomalous pulmonary artery, methods used for reimplantation, and any additional procedures performed. Preoperative imaging studies (e.g., echocardiogram, CT scan) demonstrating the anomaly and the need for surgical correction. Postoperative reports and follow-up documentation.
- Specialties:Cardiothoracic Surgery, Pediatric Cardiology, Congenital Cardiac Surgery
- Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital