CPT® Code 33737

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The procedure described by CPT® Code 33737 refers to an atrial septectomy or septostomy performed through an open heart technique with inflow occlusion. This surgical intervention is primarily aimed at improving oxygen saturation in patients who have transposition anomalies of the great vessels, a condition where the major arteries are incorrectly connected to the heart. The procedure is categorized as palliative, meaning it is intended to relieve symptoms rather than cure the underlying condition. During the operation, the heart is accessed through a median sternotomy, which involves making an incision along the sternum to provide direct access to the heart. Inflow occlusion is a critical component of this procedure, as it temporarily interrupts venous blood flow to the heart by occluding the superior and inferior vena cava. This allows the heart to be emptied of blood, facilitating a clearer surgical field for the excision of the atrial septum. The atrial septum is a wall that separates the right and left atria of the heart, and its removal is essential in cases where a thick septum may impede proper blood flow. The careful execution of this procedure is vital to avoid damage to surrounding structures, such as the atrioventricular node, which is crucial for maintaining the heart's electrical conduction system.