2025 CPT code 33310
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Surgery - Cardiovascular System Feed
Exploration of the heart (cardiotomy) to remove a foreign body or blood clot (thrombus) in the atrium or ventricle, performed without using a heart-lung bypass machine.
Modifiers may be applicable, such as -51 (Multiple Procedures) if performed with other procedures.
Medical necessity is established by the presence of a foreign body or thrombus within the heart that poses a risk to the patient's health and requires surgical removal.
The surgeon makes an incision in the chest or sternum to access the heart. They attempt to locate the foreign body manually before opening the heart.An incision is made in the heart to explore and remove any foreign objects or clots found in the atrium or ventricle. The incisions are closed with sutures, potentially reinforced with a surgical patch.
In simple words: The surgeon makes an incision to open the heart and remove a foreign object or blood clot. This is done without using a heart-lung machine.
This procedure involves opening the heart (cardiotomy) to explore and remove a foreign object or a blood clot (thrombus) located within the atrium or ventricle. Importantly, this procedure is performed without the use of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), meaning the heart and lungs continue to function without the assistance of a heart-lung machine.
Example 1: A patient presents with a retained surgical sponge following a previous cardiac surgery. Cardiotomy without CPB (33310) is performed to remove the sponge., A patient is diagnosed with a large blood clot in the left atrium.Cardiotomy without CPB (33310) is performed to remove the clot., A patient with a penetrating chest injury has a metallic foreign body lodged in the right ventricle. Cardiotomy without CPB (33310) is performed to extract the foreign body.
Documentation should include details of the foreign body or thrombus, the operative approach, intraoperative findings, and any complications. Justification for performing the procedure without CPB should also be documented.
- Payment Status: Active
- Specialties:Cardiothoracic Surgery
- Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital