2025 CPT code 33025
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Surgery - Surgical Procedures on the Cardiovascular System Surgery Feed
Creation of a pericardial window; opening in the pericardium to drain excess fluid.
Modifiers may apply depending on the circumstances of the procedure. For example, modifier 51 (multiple procedures) could be used if performed with other procedures; modifier 22 (increased procedural services) if additional work was involved.
Medical necessity is established when there is evidence of significant pericardial effusion causing hemodynamic compromise (cardiac tamponade) or significant symptoms related to pericardial restriction.Echocardiographic evidence supporting the presence and significance of pericardial effusion is essential.
The surgeon is responsible for the entire procedure, from prepping the patient and making the incision to creating the pericardial window, ensuring adequate drainage, and closing the incision.
In simple words: The doctor makes a small opening in the sac around the heart to drain extra fluid that's building up and causing pressure.
This procedure involves creating an opening in the pericardium (the sac surrounding the heart) to relieve pressure caused by an excessive accumulation of pericardial fluid.This is typically achieved via an incision, allowing for drainage of the fluid. The approach and extent of the pericardial opening may vary depending on the clinical circumstances.The procedure may be performed using various surgical techniques, such as sternotomy or thoracoscopy (VATS).
Example 1: A patient presents with acute cardiac tamponade due to significant pericardial effusion.A pericardial window is created to rapidly decompress the pericardium and relieve the hemodynamic compromise., A patient with chronic constrictive pericarditis undergoes a pericardial window creation to alleviate symptoms related to pericardial restriction and improve cardiac function. , A patient post-cardiac surgery develops a large pericardial effusion. A pericardial window is created to drain the effusion and prevent recurrence of cardiac tamponade.
Preoperative and postoperative echocardiograms to assess the extent of the effusion and to monitor for recurrence.Operative report detailing the surgical approach, size of the pericardial window, and amount of fluid drained.Pathology report if any pericardial tissue is sent for analysis.
** This code is for creation of a pericardial window, which involves creating an opening in the pericardium to allow for drainage of fluid. It differs from codes 33017-33019, which involve placement of an indwelling catheter.The selection of the appropriate code depends on whether a catheter is left in place or removed at the end of the procedure.
- Revenue Code: P2F (MAJOR PROCEDURE, CARDIOVASCULAR - OTHER)
- RVU: Information not available in provided text.
- Global Days: Information not available in provided text.
- Payment Status: Active
- Modifier TC rule: Information not available in provided text.
- Fee Schedule: Information not available in provided text.
- Specialties:Cardiothoracic Surgery, Cardiovascular Surgery
- Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, Ambulatory Surgical Center