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CPT®
33813

CPT® Code 33813
Deleted

Official Description

Obliteration of aortopulmonary septal defect; without cardiopulmonary bypass

© Copyright 2026 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

An aortopulmonary septal defect (APSD) is a congenital heart defect characterized by an abnormal opening in the septum that separates the aorta from the pulmonary artery. This defect occurs when the septum fails to close properly during the early stages of embryonic development, leading to a direct connection between the two major blood vessels. As a result, oxygen-rich blood from the aorta can mix with oxygen-poor blood from the pulmonary artery, which can lead to various complications, including increased blood flow to the lungs and potential heart failure if left untreated. The procedure coded as CPT® 33813 involves the surgical obliteration of this defect without the use of cardiopulmonary bypass, which is a technique that temporarily takes over the function of the heart and lungs during surgery. Instead, the surgeon accesses the heart through a median sternotomy or thoracotomy, allowing for direct visualization and repair of the defect. This approach may involve resecting the thymus and harvesting a section of the pericardium to create a patch graft for the repair. The procedure is critical for restoring normal blood flow and preventing further complications associated with the APSD.

© Copyright 2026 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The procedure coded as CPT® 33813 is indicated for the surgical repair of an aortopulmonary septal defect (APSD). This condition is typically diagnosed in patients presenting with symptoms related to abnormal blood flow between the aorta and pulmonary artery. The following indications may warrant the performance of this procedure:

  • Congenital Heart Defect - The presence of an aortopulmonary septal defect diagnosed through imaging studies or clinical evaluation.
  • Symptoms of Heart Failure - Patients may exhibit signs of heart failure, such as shortness of breath, fatigue, or exercise intolerance due to the increased workload on the heart.
  • Increased Pulmonary Blood Flow - Evidence of elevated blood flow to the lungs, which can lead to pulmonary hypertension and other complications if not addressed.

2. Procedure

The surgical procedure for the obliteration of an aortopulmonary septal defect without cardiopulmonary bypass involves several critical steps to ensure effective repair of the defect. The following procedural steps are performed:

  • Step 1: Accessing the Heart - The surgeon begins by accessing the heart through a median sternotomy or thoracotomy, which involves making an incision in the chest to provide direct access to the heart and surrounding structures.
  • Step 2: Thymus Resection - If necessary, the thymus gland is resected to facilitate access to the heart and the surrounding anatomical structures.
  • Step 3: Incising the Pericardium - The pericardium, which is the fibrous sac surrounding the heart, is incised, and a section is harvested for later use as a patch graft to repair the defect.
  • Step 4: Dissecting the Aorta and Pulmonary Artery - The aorta and main pulmonary artery are carefully dissected free from surrounding tissue to allow for clear visualization and access to the defect.
  • Step 5: Repairing the Defect - The defect is repaired using sutures or a pericardial patch graft. In cases where the defect is larger, alternative materials such as an allograft (homograft), xenograft, or synthetic material may be utilized for the repair.
  • Step 6: Closing the Incisions - Once the repair is complete, the chest incisions are closed, and chest tubes are placed as needed to facilitate drainage and prevent fluid accumulation.

3. Post-Procedure

After the procedure, patients are monitored for any complications and to ensure proper recovery. Post-operative care may include pain management, monitoring of vital signs, and assessment of heart function. Patients may require follow-up imaging studies to evaluate the success of the repair and to monitor for any potential recurrence of the defect. The expected recovery period will vary based on the individual patient's health status and the complexity of the procedure performed.
Short Descr REPAIR SEPTAL DEFECT
Medium Descr OBLTRJ AORTOPULMONARY SEPTAL DEFECT W/O BYPASS
Long Descr Obliteration of aortopulmonary septal defect; without cardiopulmonary bypass
Status Code Active Code
Global Days 090 - Major Surgery
PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) 0 - Physician Service Code
Multiple Procedures (51) 2 - Standard payment adjustment rules for multiple procedures apply.
Bilateral Surgery (50) 0 - 150% payment adjustment for bilateral procedures does NOT apply.
Physician Supervisions 09 - Concept does not apply.
Assistant Surgeon (80, 82) 2 - Payment restriction for assistants at surgery does not apply to this procedure...
Co-Surgeons (62) 1 - Co-surgeons could be paid, though supporting documentation is required...
Team Surgery (66) 0 - Team surgeons not permitted for this procedure.
Diagnostic Imaging Family 99 - Concept Does Not Apply
APC Status Indicator Inpatient Procedures, not paid under OPPS
Type of Service (TOS) 2 - Surgery
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) P2F - Major procedure, cardiovascular-Other
MUE Not applicable/unspecified.
CCS Clinical Classification 49 - Other OR heart procedures
Date
Action
Notes
2024-12-31 Deleted Code Deleted.
1990-01-01 Added First appearance in code book in 1990.
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