CPT® Code 33755

The procedure described by CPT® Code 33755 involves the surgical creation of a shunt that connects the ascending aorta to the pulmonary artery, commonly known as the Waterston type operation. This operation is performed to facilitate blood flow from the aorta directly into the pulmonary artery, which can help alleviate symptoms of cyanosis that arise from certain congenital heart defects, particularly in patients with conditions such as tetralogy of Fallot. The Waterston operation is one of two types of shunts historically used for this purpose; the other being the Potts or Potts-Smith operation, which connects the descending aorta to the pulmonary artery (CPT® Code 33762). Both procedures have seen a decline in use due to the potential complications that can arise from them. The surgical approach typically involves exposing the heart and surrounding blood vessels through a median sternotomy or thoracotomy, allowing the surgeon to access the ascending aorta and the right pulmonary artery. During the procedure, these two vessels are incised and connected in a side-to-side manner, creating a new pathway for blood flow. This intervention is intended as a temporary measure to manage the symptoms associated with significant cardiac anomalies until more definitive surgical corrections can be performed.