CPT® Code 33768

Add-On Code

The CPT® Code 33768 refers to the surgical procedure known as an anastomosis of the second superior vena cava to the pulmonary artery. This procedure is typically performed in conjunction with other cardiac surgeries, such as the bidirectional Glenn procedure, outflow tract augmentation, or Fontan procedure, and is specifically applicable to patients who have bilateral superior vena cavae. The primary goal of this procedure is to create a shunt that facilitates blood flow from the second superior vena cava to the pulmonary artery, thereby improving oxygenation and alleviating symptoms associated with certain congenital heart defects. The procedure is classified as a closed heart surgery, which means it is performed without opening the heart itself, and is often utilized as a temporary measure to manage cyanosis—a condition characterized by a bluish discoloration of the skin due to insufficient oxygen in the blood—resulting from various cardiac anomalies, including tetralogy of Fallot. The surgical approach involves a median sternotomy to access the heart and major blood vessels, followed by the establishment of cardiopulmonary bypass to maintain circulation during the procedure. The detailed steps of the anastomosis involve careful manipulation of the superior vena cava and pulmonary artery to ensure proper connection and blood flow, ultimately contributing to the overall management of the patient's cardiac condition.