CPT® Code 33545

The procedure described by CPT® Code 33545 involves the surgical repair of a postinfarction ventricular septal defect (VSD), which may occur following a myocardial infarction, commonly known as a heart attack. A VSD is an abnormal opening in the ventricular septum, the wall dividing the left and right ventricles of the heart. This defect can lead to significant complications, including heart failure and increased pulmonary blood flow. The repair of a postinfarction VSD is critical to restoring normal heart function and preventing further cardiac complications. The procedure may be performed with or without myocardial resection, which involves the removal of damaged heart muscle tissue. This is particularly relevant in cases where the heart has developed a ventricular aneurysm due to extensive damage from a transmural myocardial infarction. The surgical approach typically includes median sternotomy to access the heart, followed by the establishment of cardiopulmonary bypass to maintain circulation during the procedure. The repair techniques can vary, including the use of synthetic patches to close the defect, ensuring that the heart can function effectively post-surgery. Overall, this procedure is essential for patients who have suffered significant cardiac damage and require surgical intervention to correct structural heart defects.