CPT® Code 33415

Resection or incision of subvalvular tissue for discrete subvalvular aortic stenosis is a surgical procedure aimed at addressing a specific type of aortic stenosis that occurs below the aortic valve within the left ventricle. In this condition, the aortic valve and the left ventricular-aortic junction maintain a normal size, but the presence of subvalvular stenosis obstructs the normal flow of blood from the left ventricle. This obstruction can lead to an increased workload on the heart, potentially resulting in left ventricular hypertrophy, which is the thickening of the heart muscle, and can ultimately lead to heart failure if left untreated. The procedure typically involves accessing the heart through a median sternotomy, which is a surgical incision made along the sternum. To ensure the heart remains functional during the operation, cardiopulmonary bypass is initiated. The surgical approach may involve incising the ventricular septum through the right ventricle or making an incision in the aorta. If the obstruction is due to a ridge or collar of tissue, the surgeon may either incise or resect this tissue to widen the outflow tract. Following the procedure, the incisions in the septum or aorta are closed, and cardiopulmonary bypass is discontinued, allowing the heart to resume its normal function.