CPT® Code 33762

The CPT® Code 33762 refers to a surgical procedure known as the Potts-Smith type operation, which involves the creation of a shunt connecting the descending aorta to the pulmonary artery. This procedure is a specific type of shunt operation that was historically utilized to manage certain cardiac anomalies, particularly those that result in cyanosis, such as tetralogy of Fallot. In this context, cyanosis refers to the bluish discoloration of the skin and mucous membranes due to insufficient oxygen in the blood. The Potts-Smith operation is one of two types of shunts that were previously performed; the other being the Waterston operation, which connects the ascending aorta to the pulmonary artery. Both procedures have largely fallen out of favor due to the complications that can arise from them. The surgical approach typically involves exposing the heart and major blood vessels through a median sternotomy or thoracotomy, allowing the surgeon to access the descending aorta and the left pulmonary artery. During the procedure, these two vessels are incised and connected in a side-to-side manner, facilitating improved blood flow and oxygenation. However, due to the associated risks and complications, these shunt procedures are now rarely performed in contemporary medical practice.