2025 CPT code 33755
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Surgery - Cardiovascular System Surgery Feed
Creation of a shunt between the ascending aorta and the right pulmonary artery (Waterston type operation).
Modifiers may be applicable. For example, modifier 22 may be used for increased procedural services.
Medical necessity is established by documentation of diminished pulmonary blood flow due to a congenital heart defect, resulting in cyanosis and requiring a palliative shunt.
The surgeon opens the chest, places the patient on cardiopulmonary bypass, creates the shunt between the aorta and pulmonary artery, ensures adequate blood flow, closes any open ducts, takes the patient off bypass, and closes the chest.
In simple words: This procedure creates a bypass between a major artery leaving the heart (ascending aorta) and the artery going to the lungs (pulmonary artery). This helps increase blood flow to the lungs for babies and children with heart defects causing low oxygen levels in their blood.
This procedure involves creating a surgical connection (shunt) between the ascending aorta and the right pulmonary artery to increase blood flow to the lungs. This is done as a palliative procedure for certain cyanotic congenital heart diseases where pulmonary blood flow is diminished.
Example 1: A newborn with tetralogy of Fallot and severe cyanosis requires a Waterston shunt to improve oxygenation before a full repair can be performed., An infant with pulmonary atresia and intact ventricular septum needs a Waterston shunt to increase pulmonary blood flow until a more definitive procedure can be done., A child with tricuspid atresia undergoes a Waterston shunt as a palliative measure to improve oxygen saturation.
Documentation should include the diagnosis, operative report detailing the procedure, pre- and post-operative angiograms, and any complications.
** This procedure is rarely performed today due to the availability of other surgical options and advancements in treatment.It was originally designed as a temporary measure to improve oxygenation before definitive repair.
- Revenue Code: P2F
- Payment Status: Active
- Specialties:Cardiothoracic Surgery, Pediatric Cardiology
- Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital