CPT® Code 33518

Add-On Code

Coronary artery bypass, using venous graft(s) and arterial graft(s); 2 venous grafts (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)

Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) is a surgical procedure aimed at improving blood flow to the heart by bypassing blocked or narrowed coronary arteries. This procedure is critical for patients suffering from ischemic heart disease, which can lead to serious conditions such as myocardial infarction (heart attack). The surgery involves the use of both venous and arterial grafts to create new pathways for blood to reach the heart muscle. Specifically, CPT® Code 33518 pertains to the use of two venous grafts in this bypass procedure. The coronary arteries are responsible for delivering oxygen-rich blood to the heart, and any obstruction in these arteries can significantly impair heart function. During the CABG procedure, surgeons typically harvest veins, often the greater saphenous veins from the legs, which are then prepared for grafting. The surgical process begins with an incision in the chest, followed by the division of the sternum and retraction of the ribs to gain access to the heart. Depending on the technique employed, the surgery may be performed using the off-pump coronary artery bypass (OPCAB) method, which allows the procedure to be conducted on a beating heart, or through cardiopulmonary bypass, where the heart is temporarily stopped and blood is rerouted through a machine. The prepared vein grafts are meticulously sewn into place, connecting one end to the ascending aorta and the other end to the coronary artery beyond the site of blockage. This procedure is essential for restoring adequate blood flow and alleviating symptoms associated with coronary artery disease.