CPT® Code 33602

The procedure described by CPT® Code 33602 involves the surgical closure of a semilunar valve, which can either be the aortic or pulmonary valve, using sutures or a patch. This intervention is typically indicated for patients who have single ventricle cardiac anomalies, a condition where one of the heart's ventricles is either absent or underdeveloped. In a normal heart, there are two ventricles: the left ventricle is responsible for pumping oxygenated blood into the aorta and systemic circulation, while the right ventricle pumps deoxygenated blood into the pulmonary arteries and lungs. However, in patients with single ventricle defects, the heart is unable to function normally due to the lack of a fully developed second ventricle. As a result, surgical procedures are necessary to enhance the efficiency of the single functioning ventricle, allowing it to effectively pump blood to both the body and the lungs. These surgical interventions are often performed in multiple stages, and one critical aspect of the surgical process may involve closing one of the atrioventricular or semilunar valves to ensure proper blood flow into the aorta. The surgical access is typically achieved through a median sternotomy, and if a pericardial patch is utilized for closure, the pericardium is incised to harvest the patch. Cardiopulmonary bypass is then initiated to facilitate the procedure. The specific valve targeted for closure is carefully exposed, and depending on the method chosen, either a pericardial patch is placed over the valve or the valve leaflets are sutured together to achieve complete closure.