2025 CPT code 33884
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Surgery - Endovascular Repair Procedures of the Descending Thoracic Aorta Surgical Procedures on the Cardiovascular System Feed
Placement of each additional proximal extension prosthesis during endovascular repair of the descending thoracic aorta.
Modifiers may apply depending on the circumstances of the procedure.Refer to CPT guidelines for appropriate modifier usage.
The placement of additional proximal extensions is medically necessary when the initial endovascular stent graft is insufficient to adequately cover or exclude the affected area of the descending thoracic aorta, preventing further complications such as rupture or endoleak.
The vascular surgeon is responsible for the entire procedure, including pre-operative assessment, patient preparation, procedural execution (including fluoroscopic guidance and deployment of the prosthesis and additional extensions), and post-operative care.
- Surgical Procedures on the Cardiovascular System
- Endovascular Repair Procedures of the Descending Thoracic Aorta
In simple words: This code describes placing extra parts (proximal extensions) inside a blood vessel (the aorta) to fix a problem like a bulge or tear.It's only used along with another code that shows the main repair was done.Each extra part gets its own code.
This CPT code, 33884, reports the placement of each additional proximal extension prosthesis used in the endovascular repair of the descending thoracic aorta.This procedure is performed to address conditions such as aneurysms, pseudoaneurysms, ulcers, intramural hematomas, or traumatic disruptions. The code is an add-on code and must be used in conjunction with a primary procedure code (33883) representing the initial endovascular repair.The procedure involves the introduction and deployment of the proximal extension via a femoral artery access, guided by fluoroscopy, to the designated location within the aorta.Balloon angioplasty may be used to secure the prosthesis.This code is separately reported for each additional proximal extension placed.
Example 1: A patient presents with a descending thoracic aortic aneurysm. The surgeon performs an endovascular repair (33883) and requires two additional proximal extensions to adequately cover the aneurysm.Code 33884 is reported twice., A patient with a traumatic aortic dissection undergoes endovascular repair (33883). Due to the extent of the dissection, three additional proximal extensions are needed for complete coverage. Code 33884 is reported three times., During an endovascular repair (33883) of a descending thoracic aortic aneurysm, the surgeon encounters unexpected extension of the aneurysm proximally.One additional proximal extension is needed to achieve adequate sealing. Code 33884 is reported once.
* Pre-operative imaging (CT, MRI) demonstrating the aneurysm or aortic pathology.* Operative report detailing the procedure, including the number and placement of the additional proximal extensions.* Intra-operative fluoroscopy images showing the positioning of the device.* Post-operative imaging (angiogram) to confirm the exclusion of the aneurysm and the absence of endoleaks.* Patient's medical history, including relevant comorbidities.
** Always refer to the most current CPT codebook and coding guidelines for accurate billing practices.This information is for guidance only and does not constitute medical advice.
- Revenue Code: P1G (MAJOR PROCEDURE - OTHER)
- RVU: Information not available in provided text. Refer to CMS guidelines for current RVU values.
- Global Days: Information not available in provided text.Global surgical days vary by payer and may be determined based on the primary procedure.
- Payment Status: Active
- Modifier TC rule: A technical component (TC) modifier is not applicable to this code.
- Fee Schedule: Information not available in provided text. Consult historical fee schedules from relevant payers for historical data.
- Specialties:Vascular Surgery, Cardiothoracic Surgery, Interventional Radiology
- Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, On Campus-Outpatient Hospital, Ambulatory Surgical Center