2025 CPT code 33983
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Surgery - Cardiovascular Surgery Surgery Feed
Replacement of a single ventricle ventricular assist device (VAD) pump; implantable, intracorporeal, with cardiopulmonary bypass.
Modifiers may be applicable depending on the circumstances of the procedure (e.g., 59 for distinct procedural service if performed on the same day as another procedure).
Medical necessity is established by demonstrating severe heart failure refractory to medical management, requiring mechanical circulatory support.Documentation of pump malfunction or failure justifies the replacement.
The surgeon is responsible for the entire procedure, including opening and closing the sternotomy, managing cardiopulmonary bypass, removing the old pump, implanting the new pump, and ensuring proper function before closing the incision.
In simple words: The doctor replaces the pump in a heart support device (VAD) that helps only one chamber of the heart.This is done with a heart-lung machine to keep the blood flowing.
This CPT code 33983 describes the replacement of the implantable pump within a previously placed ventricular assist device (VAD) designed for a single ventricle.The procedure involves the use of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB).The surgeon reopens the sternotomy, removes the existing VAD pump, connects a new pump to the cannula, primes and activates the new pump, and closes the incision.
Example 1: A 65-year-old male patient with severe heart failure requiring a VAD replacement due to pump malfunction. The surgeon uses CPB., A 70-year-old female patient experiences pump thrombosis in their existing VAD. The surgeon replaces the pump using CPB, ensuring optimal functionality., A 58-year-old male patient with a failing VAD requires pump replacement. The surgeon performs the procedure under CPB. Post-operative monitoring shows improved hemodynamics.
Preoperative assessment including echocardiogram, cardiac catheterization, and patient history; operative report detailing the procedure; postoperative echocardiogram and hemodynamic monitoring; pathology report (if applicable); and imaging studies (if used for guidance).
** This code specifically addresses single ventricle VAD pump replacement.Biventricular replacements are coded differently.Always refer to the most current CPT manual for accurate coding.
- Payment Status: Active
- Modifier TC rule: The TC modifier is not applicable to this code.
- Specialties:Cardiothoracic Surgery, Cardiac Surgery
- Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, Ambulatory Surgical Center