CPT® Code 33606

The CPT® Code 33606 refers to the surgical procedure known as the anastomosis of the pulmonary artery to the aorta, commonly recognized as the Damus-Kaye-Stansel procedure. This complex cardiac surgery is primarily indicated for patients with specific congenital heart defects, including double inlet left ventricle, tricuspid atresia with transposition of great vessels, and transposition of the great vessels accompanied by a hypoplastic right ventricle. The procedure aims to create a new pathway for blood flow, allowing for improved oxygenation and circulation in patients with these serious cardiac anomalies. Access to the heart is typically achieved through a median sternotomy, which involves making an incision along the sternum to provide the surgeon with a clear view and access to the heart structures. The surgical approach may vary slightly depending on the specific cardiac anomaly being addressed, but generally involves the establishment of cardiopulmonary bypass to maintain circulation and oxygenation during the procedure. The use of cardioplegia is initiated to protect the heart muscle during the surgery. The procedure entails meticulous dissection and mobilization of both the aorta and pulmonary artery, followed by the creation of an anastomosis that connects these two major vessels, thereby facilitating proper blood flow and improving the patient's overall cardiac function.