2025 CPT code 33977

Removal of a ventricular assist device (VAD); extracorporeal, single ventricle.

Follow all applicable CPT coding guidelines for cardiac surgery. Ensure accurate documentation to support the medical necessity and the technical aspects of the procedure.

Modifiers may be applicable depending on the circumstances of the procedure (e.g., modifier 59 for a distinct procedural service if removal occurs on the same day as another procedure).Consult current CPT guidelines for details.

Removal of the VAD is medically necessary when the device is no longer needed to support the patient's cardiac function, either due to successful heart transplantation, improvement in the patient's condition, or patient choice after careful discussion of the risks and benefits.

The procedure is performed by a cardiac surgeon. Responsibilities include preoperative planning, surgical removal of the VAD including cannula removal, wound closure, and postoperative care.The surgeon may utilize cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) if clinically necessary.

IMPORTANT Related codes include 33978 (removal of VAD; extracorporeal, biventricular), 33980 (removal of VAD; implantable intracorporeal, single ventricle), and others within the 33975-33997 range depending on the approach (percutaneous vs. transthoracic), location (intracorporeal vs. extracorporeal), and number of ventricles involved.

In simple words: The doctor removes a heart pump (VAD) that was previously put in the patient's heart. This is done after the patient gets better from the first surgery where the pump was installed.

This CPT code 33977 describes the surgical removal of a previously implanted extracorporeal ventricular assist device (VAD) from a single ventricle.The procedure involves the removal of the entire device, including cannulas,typically performed after the patient has stabilized following initial VAD placement in a separate procedure.The removal may necessitate cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) depending on the patient's clinical condition.

Example 1: A 65-year-old male patient with severe heart failure receives an extracorporeal VAD as a bridge to heart transplant.After several weeks of stabilization, the patient undergoes a successful heart transplant, and the VAD is subsequently removed using code 33977., A 70-year-old female patient receives a temporary extracorporeal VAD following a severe myocardial infarction. Once her condition improves, the VAD is removed under code 33977., A 78-year-old patient with end-stage heart failure is not a candidate for heart transplant.After several months of VAD support, the patient's health deteriorates, and the decision is made to remove the device using code 33977.

Preoperative evaluation including imaging studies (echocardiogram, CT scan), operative report detailing the procedure (including type of VAD, approach, use of CPB, and complications), and postoperative care notes.

** This code is specific to extracorporeal VAD removal from a single ventricle.Different codes exist for biventricular VAD removal, intracorporeal VAD removal, and percutaneous VAD removal.

  • Payment Status: Active
  • Modifier TC rule: Not applicable.
  • Specialties:Cardiothoracic Surgery
  • Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, Ambulatory Surgical Center
** Only Enterprise users with EHR integration can access case-specific answers. Click here to request access.