Coding Ahead
CasePilot
Medical Coding Assistant
Case2Code
Search and Code Lookup Tool
RedactPHI
HIPAA-Compliant PHI Redaction
DetectICD10CM
ICD-10-CM Code Detection
Log in Register free account
1 code page views remaining. Guest accounts are limited to 1 page view. Register free account to get 5 more views.
Log in Register free account

Official Description

Replacement, aortic valve; with aortic annulus enlargement, noncoronary sinus

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

Replacement of the aortic valve with aortic annulus enlargement of a noncoronary sinus is a surgical procedure aimed at addressing aortic annular hypoplasia, which may occur with or without accompanying aortic valve disease. This condition involves an underdeveloped aortic annulus, which can lead to significant cardiovascular complications. The procedure is typically performed through a median sternotomy or an upper hemisternotomy, allowing the surgeon access to the heart. During the operation, various cannulas are inserted to facilitate cardiopulmonary bypass, which is essential for maintaining blood circulation and oxygenation while the heart is temporarily stopped. The surgical technique involves making a transverse incision in the ascending aorta and performing meticulous dissection to enlarge the aortic annulus. This is achieved by separating the aorta's adventitia and the left atrial wall from the posterior aortic annulus, followed by resection of the posterior commissure. A synthetic patch is then utilized to close the defect created during the enlargement, and an aortic valve prosthesis is sutured in place. The procedure concludes with the closure of the aortic incision, removal of the cross-clamp, and careful weaning of the patient off cardiopulmonary bypass, ensuring that the heart resumes normal function. This complex surgical intervention is critical for patients suffering from severe left ventricular outflow tract obstruction (LVOTO) due to aortic annular hypoplasia, as it aims to restore normal hemodynamics and improve overall cardiac function.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The procedure is indicated for the following conditions:

  • Aortic Annular Hypoplasia - A condition characterized by an underdeveloped aortic annulus, which can lead to significant cardiovascular issues.
  • Aortic Valve Disease - This may occur in conjunction with aortic annular hypoplasia, necessitating surgical intervention to replace the dysfunctional valve.

2. Procedure

The surgical procedure involves several critical steps to ensure successful replacement of the aortic valve and enlargement of the aortic annulus:

  • Step 1: Accessing the Heart - The procedure begins with the exposure of the heart through a median sternotomy or an upper hemisternotomy, providing the surgeon with adequate access to the aortic valve and surrounding structures.
  • Step 2: Cannulation - A venous cannula is inserted into the right atrial appendage to facilitate venous return, while an arterial cannula is placed in the ascending aorta to allow for arterial perfusion. Additionally, a cardioplegia cannula is positioned in the coronary sinus via a stab incision in the right atrium, and a second cannula is placed in the ascending aorta to deliver cardioplegic solution.
  • Step 3: Establishing Cardiopulmonary Bypass - Cardiopulmonary bypass is initiated, and cardioplegic arrest is achieved to temporarily stop the heart, allowing for a bloodless surgical field.
  • Step 4: Incision in the Ascending Aorta - A transverse incision is made in the ascending aorta, which is then extended inferiorly toward the posterior commissure to access the aortic annulus.
  • Step 5: Enlarging the Aortic Annulus - The aortic annulus is enlarged by carefully separating the adventitia of the aorta from the middle layer using blunt dissection. The left atrial wall is also separated from the posterior aortic annulus, and the posterior commissure is resected to facilitate the enlargement.
  • Step 6: Closing the Defect - The incised ends of the left coronary and noncoronary annulus are widely separated, and a synthetic patch is utilized to close the surgically created defect. An aortic valve prosthesis is then sutured to the patch, ensuring proper placement and stability.
  • Step 7: Closing the Aortic Incision - The incision in the aorta is closed, and the aortic cross-clamp is removed to restore blood flow.
  • Step 8: Weaning Off Bypass - The patient is carefully weaned off cardiopulmonary bypass, monitoring for any complications as the heart resumes its normal function.
  • Step 9: Postoperative Care - Chest tubes are placed as necessary to drain any excess fluid, and the chest incision is closed to complete the procedure.

3. Post-Procedure

Post-procedure care involves monitoring the patient for any complications that may arise following the surgery. Patients typically require close observation in a recovery unit, where vital signs and cardiac function are continuously assessed. The placement of chest tubes is common to manage any fluid accumulation in the thoracic cavity. Recovery may involve pain management and gradual mobilization as the patient stabilizes. The overall goal of post-operative care is to ensure a smooth recovery and to monitor for any signs of complications, such as infection or bleeding, while supporting the patient's return to normal activities.

Short Descr REPLACEMENT OF AORTIC VALVE
Medium Descr RPLCMT AORTIC VALVE ANNULUS ENLGMENT NONC SINUS
Long Descr Replacement, aortic valve; with aortic annulus enlargement, noncoronary sinus
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) 0 - Co-surgeons not permitted for this procedure.
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 43 - Heart valve procedures

This is a primary code that can be used with these additional add-on codes.

33141 Addon Code MPFS Status: Active Code APC C Physician Quality Reporting PUB 100 CPT Assistant Article Transmyocardial laser revascularization, by thoracotomy; performed at the time of other open cardiac procedure(s) (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
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)
33259 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), with cardiopulmonary bypass (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
33530 Addon Code MPFS Status: Active Code APC C Physician Quality Reporting CPT Assistant Article Illustration for Code Reoperation, coronary artery bypass procedure or valve procedure, more than 1 month after original operation (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
34714 Addon Code MPFS Status: Active Code APC N ASC N1 Open femoral artery exposure with creation of conduit for delivery of endovascular prosthesis or for establishment of cardiopulmonary bypass, by groin incision, unilateral (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
34716 Addon Code MPFS Status: Active Code APC N ASC N1 Open axillary/subclavian artery exposure with creation of conduit for delivery of endovascular prosthesis or for establishment of cardiopulmonary bypass, by infraclavicular or supraclavicular incision, unilateral (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
34833 Addon Code Resequenced Code MPFS Status: Active Code APC C CPT Assistant Article Open iliac artery exposure with creation of conduit for delivery of endovascular prosthesis or for establishment of cardiopulmonary bypass, by abdominal or retroperitoneal incision, unilateral (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
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
22 Increased procedural services: when the work required to provide a service is substantially greater than typically required, it may be identified by adding modifier 22 to the usual procedure code. documentation must support the substantial additional work and the reason for the additional work (ie, increased intensity, time, technical difficulty of procedure, severity of patient's condition, physical and mental effort required). note: this modifier should not be appended to an e/m service.
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).
52 Reduced services: under certain circumstances a service or procedure is partially reduced or eliminated at the discretion of the physician or other qualified health care professional. under these circumstances the service provided can be identified by its usual procedure number and the addition of modifier 52, signifying that the service is reduced. this provides a means of reporting reduced services without disturbing the identification of the basic service. note: for hospital outpatient reporting of a previously scheduled procedure/service that is partially reduced or cancelled as a result of extenuating circumstances or those that threaten the well-being of the patient prior to or after administration of anesthesia, see modifiers 73 and 74 (see modifiers approved for asc hospital outpatient use).
58 Staged or related procedure or service by the same physician or other qualified health care professional during the postoperative period: it may be necessary to indicate that the performance of a procedure or service during the postoperative period was: (a) planned or anticipated (staged); (b) more extensive than the original procedure; or (c) for therapy following a surgical procedure. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 58 to the staged or related procedure. note: for treatment of a problem that requires a return to the operating/procedure room (eg, unanticipated clinical condition), see modifier 78.
59 Distinct procedural service: under certain circumstances, it may be necessary to indicate that a procedure or service was distinct or independent from other non-e/m services performed on the same day. modifier 59 is used to identify procedures/services, other than e/m services, that are not normally reported together, but are appropriate under the circumstances. documentation must support a different session, different procedure or surgery, different site or organ system, separate incision/excision, separate lesion, or separate injury (or area of injury in extensive injuries) not ordinarily encountered or performed on the same day by the same individual. however, when another already established modifier is appropriate it should be used rather than modifier 59. only if no more descriptive modifier is available, and the use of modifier 59 best explains the circumstances, should modifier 59 be used. note: modifier 59 should not be appended to an e/m service. to report a separate and distinct e/m service with a non-e/m service performed on the same date, see modifier 25.
77 Repeat procedure by another physician or other qualified health care professional: it may be necessary to indicate that a basic procedure or service was repeated by another physician or other qualified health care professional subsequent to the original procedure or service. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 77 to the repeated procedure or service. note: this modifier should not be appended to an e/m service.
78 Unplanned return to the operating/procedure room by the same physician or other qualified health care professional following initial procedure for a related procedure during the postoperative period: it may be necessary to indicate that another procedure was performed during the postoperative period of the initial procedure (unplanned procedure following initial procedure). when this procedure is related to the first, and requires the use of an operating/procedure room, it may be reported by adding modifier 78 to the related procedure. (for repeat procedures, see modifier 76.)
79 Unrelated procedure or service by the same physician or other qualified health care professional during the postoperative period: the individual may need to indicate that the performance of a procedure or service during the postoperative period was unrelated to the original procedure. this circumstance may be reported by using modifier 79. (for repeat procedures on the same day, see modifier 76.)
80 Assistant surgeon: surgical assistant services may be identified by adding modifier 80 to the usual procedure number(s).
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).
AG Primary physician
AQ Physician providing a service in an unlisted health professional shortage area (hpsa)
CC Procedure code change (use 'cc' when the procedure code submitted was changed either for administrative reasons or because an incorrect code was filed)
CR Catastrophe/disaster related
PD Diagnostic or related non diagnostic item or service provided in a wholly owned or operated entity to a patient who is admitted as an inpatient within 3 days
Q0 Investigational clinical service provided in a clinical research study that is in an approved clinical research study
Q1 Routine clinical service provided in a clinical research study that is in an approved clinical research study
Q6 Service furnished under a fee-for-time compensation arrangement by a substitute physician or by a substitute physical therapist furnishing outpatient physical therapy services in a health professional shortage area, a medically underserved area, or a rural area
XE Separate encounter, a service that is distinct because it occurred during a separate encounter
XU Unusual non-overlapping service, the use of a service that is distinct because it does not overlap usual components of the main service
Date
Action
Notes
2011-01-01 Changed Long description revised. Medium description changed.
Pre-1990 Added Code added.
Code
Description
Code
Description
Code
Description
Code
Description
Code
Description
CasePilot

Get instant expert-level medical coding assistance.

Ask about:
CPT Codes Guidelines Modifiers Crosswalks NCCI Edits Compliance Medicare Coverage
Example: "What is CPT code 99213?" or "Guidelines for E/M services"