CPT® Code 33814

An aortopulmonary septal defect is a rare congenital cardiac 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 early embryonic development, leading to a connection between the two major blood vessels. This condition can result in abnormal blood flow between the aorta and the pulmonary artery, potentially causing various complications, including heart failure and increased pulmonary blood flow. The procedure coded as CPT® 33814 involves the surgical obliteration of this defect using cardiopulmonary bypass, which is a technique that temporarily takes over the function of the heart and lungs during surgery. Access to the heart is typically achieved through a median sternotomy or thoracotomy, allowing the surgeon to perform the necessary repairs. The procedure may involve resection of the thymus gland, incision of the pericardium, and harvesting of a section of pericardium to be used later as a patch graft. The aorta and main pulmonary artery are carefully dissected to facilitate the repair. Cardiopulmonary bypass is established by cannulating the aorta and the superior and inferior vena cava, followed by cross-clamping the aorta. The surgical team then divides the aorta and pulmonary artery to access the defect, which is repaired using sutures or a pericardial patch graft. In cases of larger defects, alternative materials such as allografts (homografts), xenografts, or synthetic materials may be utilized for the repair. Upon completion of the procedure, the chest incisions are closed, and chest tubes may be placed as necessary to aid in recovery.