CPT® Code 33851

Excision of coarctation of aorta, with or without associated patent ductus arteriosus; repair using either left subclavian artery or prosthetic material as gusset for enlargement

Coarctation of the aorta refers to a congenital condition characterized by the narrowing of the aorta, which is the major artery responsible for distributing oxygenated blood from the heart to the rest of the body. This narrowing typically occurs between the arterial branches that supply blood to the upper body and those that supply the lower body, leading to an imbalance in blood flow. As a result, the upper body receives an increased volume of blood, while the lower body experiences a reduced blood supply. The surgical procedure described by CPT® Code 33851 involves the excision of this coarctation, which may be accompanied by a patent ductus arteriosus, a condition where a blood vessel that should close after birth remains open. The surgical approach to access the narrowed section of the aorta is through a posterolateral thoracotomy, which involves making an incision in the chest wall. This allows for careful dissection and exposure of critical structures, including the transverse aortic arch, left subclavian artery, and intercostal collateral vessels. The procedure aims to restore normal blood flow by either patch aortoplasty or left subclavian flap aortoplasty, utilizing either a synthetic patch or the subclavian artery itself to enlarge the narrowed segment of the aorta. This complex surgical intervention is crucial for alleviating the symptoms associated with coarctation and preventing potential complications related to inadequate blood flow to the lower body.