CPT® Code 33779

Repair of transposition of the great arteries, aortic pulmonary artery reconstruction (eg, Jatene type); with removal of pulmonary band

The procedure described by CPT® Code 33779 involves the surgical repair of transposition of the great arteries, a serious congenital heart defect. In this condition, the aorta is incorrectly connected to the right ventricle, while the pulmonary arteries are connected to the left ventricle, leading to a separation of oxygen-rich and oxygen-poor blood. This misconfiguration results in inadequate oxygenation of the blood, as the oxygen-poor blood is circulated to the body without passing through the lungs for oxygenation. The Jatene procedure, which is a type of aortic and pulmonary artery reconstruction, aims to correct this anomaly by re-establishing the normal connections of the heart. The procedure also includes the removal of a previously placed pulmonary band, which is often used to manage pulmonary artery stenosis, a condition that may accompany transposition of the great arteries. The surgical approach typically involves a median sternotomy or thoracotomy, allowing access to the heart for the necessary repairs. This complex procedure is critical for restoring normal blood flow and improving the patient's overall oxygenation and health outcomes.