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The procedure described by CPT® Code 33330 involves the insertion of a synthetic graft into the aorta or great vessels to repair injuries that may arise from either blunt or penetrating trauma. Such injuries can lead to serious conditions, including transection, rupture, tear, or laceration of the aorta or great vessels. This surgical intervention is critical for restoring blood flow and preventing life-threatening complications. The procedure is performed without the use of a shunt or cardiopulmonary bypass, which is often referred to as the clamp and sew technique. This approach allows the surgeon to directly access and repair the damaged vessels while minimizing the need for additional support systems that can complicate the procedure. The operation typically requires a thoracotomy, which is an incision into the chest to expose the injured blood vessels. The surgical team carefully identifies and protects surrounding structures, such as the phrenic nerves and adjacent arteries, to ensure a successful repair. The use of synthetic grafts is essential in providing a durable solution to the injury, allowing for the restoration of normal vascular function.
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The procedure described by CPT® Code 33330 is indicated for the repair of injuries to the aorta or great vessels. These injuries may arise from various traumatic events, including:
The procedure for the insertion of a graft into the aorta or great vessels involves several critical steps:
After the completion of the graft insertion procedure, patients typically require careful monitoring in a postoperative setting. The expected recovery may involve managing pain, monitoring for any signs of complications such as infection or graft failure, and ensuring proper drainage through the chest tubes. The surgical team will assess the patient's vital signs and overall condition regularly. Follow-up imaging studies may be necessary to evaluate the integrity of the graft and the surrounding vascular structures. Rehabilitation and gradual return to normal activities will be guided by the healthcare team based on the patient's recovery progress.
| Short Descr | INSERT MAJOR VESSEL GRAFT | Medium Descr | INSJ GRAFT AORTA/GREAT VESSEL W/O SHUNT/BYPASS | Long Descr | Insertion of graft, aorta or great vessels; without shunt, or 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 | 1 | CCS Clinical Classification | 52 - Aortic resection, replacement or anastomosis |
This is a primary code that can be used with these additional add-on codes.
| 33257 | Addon Code MPFS Status: Active Code APC C Illustration for Code Operative tissue ablation and reconstruction of atria, performed at the time of other cardiac procedure(s), limited (eg, modified maze procedure) (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure) | 33258 | Addon Code MPFS Status: Active Code APC C Illustration for Code Operative tissue ablation and reconstruction of atria, performed at the time of other cardiac procedure(s), extensive (eg, maze procedure), without cardiopulmonary bypass (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure) |
| 51 | Multiple procedures: when multiple procedures, other than e/m services, physical medicine and rehabilitation services or provision of supplies (eg, vaccines), are performed at the same session by the same individual, the primary procedure or service may be reported as listed. the additional procedure(s) or service(s) may be identified by appending modifier 51 to the additional procedure or service code(s). note: this modifier should not be appended to designated "add-on" codes (see appendix d). | 62 | Two surgeons: when 2 surgeons work together as primary surgeons performing distinct part(s) of a procedure, each surgeon should report his/her distinct operative work by adding modifier 62 to the procedure code and any associated add-on code(s) for that procedure as long as both surgeons continue to work together as primary surgeons. each surgeon should report the co-surgery once using the same procedure code. if additional procedure(s) (including add-on procedure(s) are performed during the same surgical session, separate code(s) may also be reported with modifier 62 added. note: if a co-surgeon acts as an assistant in the performance of additional procedure(s), other than those reported with the modifier 62, during the same surgical session, those services may be reported using separate procedure code(s) with modifier 80 or modifier 82 added, as appropriate. | 82 | Assistant surgeon (when qualified resident surgeon not available): the unavailability of a qualified resident surgeon is a prerequisite for use of modifier 82 appended to the usual procedure code number(s). | AS | Physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or clinical nurse specialist services for assistant at surgery | GC | This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician |
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| Pre-1990 | Added | Code added. |
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