CPT® Code 33404

The procedure described by CPT® Code 33404 involves the construction of an apical-aortic conduit, a surgical intervention primarily aimed at treating aortic stenosis. Aortic stenosis is a condition characterized by the narrowing of the aortic valve, which impedes blood flow from the heart to the aorta and subsequently to the rest of the body. The construction of this conduit allows for an alternative pathway for blood to bypass the obstructed aortic valve, thereby improving hemodynamics and alleviating symptoms associated with the stenosis. During the procedure, a left lateral incision is made through the sixth intercostal space to access the heart. The inferior pulmonary ligament is divided, and the lung is retracted to provide a clear view of the cardiac apex and the aorta. A synthetic tube graft is then anastomosed to the aorta in an end-to-side manner and connected to a porcine valve, facilitating the flow of blood from the left ventricle through the conduit into the aorta. This complex surgical technique requires careful manipulation of cardiac structures and precise suturing to ensure proper function and integration of the conduit with the heart's anatomy.