CPT® Code 33548

Surgical ventricular restoration procedure, includes prosthetic patch, when performed (eg, ventricular remodeling, SVR, SAVER, Dor procedures)

The surgical ventricular restoration procedure, identified by CPT® Code 33548, is a specialized cardiac surgery aimed at addressing the complications of congestive heart failure that arise from myocardial infarction. This condition often leads to the formation of scar tissue or an aneurysm, resulting in an enlarged and rounded heart. The procedure is also known by various terms, including ventricular remodeling, surgical anterior ventricular endocardial restoration (SAVER), and the Dor procedure. The primary goal of this surgical intervention is to restore the heart to a more normal size and shape, thereby improving its function and the patient's overall health. During the procedure, a prosthetic patch is utilized to aid in the reconstruction of the heart's anatomy. The approach typically involves a median sternotomy to access the heart, followed by the establishment of cardiopulmonary bypass and cardioplegic arrest to ensure a bloodless and motionless surgical field. The procedure is meticulously designed to identify and exclude non-contractile, scarred areas of the heart, allowing for effective remodeling and restoration of the left ventricle's function.