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Official Description

Replacement, aortic valve; with transventricular aortic annulus enlargement (Konno procedure)

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The procedure described by CPT® Code 33412 involves the replacement of the aortic valve along with the enlargement of the aortic annulus through a transventricular approach, specifically known as the Konno procedure. This surgical intervention is primarily indicated for patients suffering from aortic annular hypoplasia, which may occur with or without accompanying aortic valve disease. Aortic annular hypoplasia refers to an underdeveloped aortic annulus, which can lead to significant left ventricular outflow tract obstruction (LVOTO). The surgical approach typically requires a median sternotomy or an upper hemisternotomy to gain access to the heart. During the procedure, various cannulas are strategically placed to facilitate cardiopulmonary bypass and ensure adequate blood flow and oxygenation while the heart is temporarily stopped. The surgical steps include the enlargement of the aortic annulus and the left ventricular outflow tract, which are critical for alleviating the obstruction and restoring normal hemodynamics. The procedure culminates in the placement of a synthetic patch and the suturing of a prosthetic aortic valve, followed by the closure of the aorta and the chest incision. This complex surgical intervention is essential for improving the patient's cardiac function and overall quality of life.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The procedure described by CPT® Code 33412 is indicated for the following conditions:

  • Aortic Annular Hypoplasia - A condition characterized by the underdevelopment of the aortic annulus, which can lead to significant hemodynamic issues.
  • Severe Left Ventricular Outflow Tract Obstruction (LVOTO) - A critical condition where the flow of blood from the left ventricle to the aorta is obstructed, necessitating surgical intervention to restore normal blood flow.
  • Aortic Valve Disease - This may include various forms of aortic valve dysfunction that can coexist with aortic annular hypoplasia, requiring valve replacement as part of the surgical procedure.

2. Procedure

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

  • Step 1: Surgical Access - The heart is accessed through a median sternotomy or an upper hemisternotomy, allowing the surgeon to visualize and operate on the heart effectively.
  • Step 2: Cannulation - A venous cannula is inserted into the right atrial appendage, and an arterial cannula is placed in the ascending aorta. This setup is essential for establishing cardiopulmonary bypass.
  • Step 3: Cardioplegia Cannulation - Two cardioplegia cannulas are placed: one in the coronary sinus via a stab incision in the right atrium and another in the ascending aorta. This is crucial for inducing cardiac arrest and protecting the heart during surgery.
  • Step 4: Vent Placement - A ventricular vent is positioned in the right superior pulmonary vein to facilitate drainage of blood from the heart during the procedure.
  • Step 5: Establishing Cardiopulmonary Bypass - Cardiopulmonary bypass is initiated, and cardioplegic arrest is performed to allow for a bloodless surgical field.
  • Step 6: Aortic Annulus Enlargement - A transverse incision is made in the ascending aorta, extending inferiorly toward the posterior commissure. The aortic annulus is enlarged by separating the adventitia of the aorta from the middle layer using blunt dissection and separating the left atrial wall from the posterior aortic annulus. The posterior commissure is resected, and the incised ends of the left coronary and noncoronary annulus are widely separated.
  • Step 7: Synthetic Patch Closure - A synthetic patch is utilized to close the surgically created defect, and an aortic valve prosthesis is sutured to the patch, ensuring proper placement and stability.
  • Step 8: Closure of the Aorta - The incision in the aorta is closed, and the aortic cross-clamp is removed, allowing blood flow to resume.
  • Step 9: Weaning Off Bypass - The patient is gradually weaned off cardiopulmonary bypass, monitoring hemodynamic stability throughout the process.
  • Step 10: Postoperative Care - Chest tubes are placed as necessary to drain any excess fluid, and the chest incision is closed, completing the surgical procedure.

3. Post-Procedure

After the completion of the procedure, patients typically require close monitoring in a postoperative setting. Expected recovery includes management of pain, monitoring for any signs of complications such as bleeding or infection, and ensuring proper cardiac function. Patients may have chest tubes in place to facilitate drainage of fluid and prevent complications. The length of hospital stay can vary based on individual recovery, but patients are generally observed for several days before being discharged. Follow-up appointments are essential to assess the function of the new aortic valve and the overall recovery process.

Short Descr REPLACEMENT OF AORTIC VALVE
Medium Descr REPLACEMENT AORTIC VALVE KONNO PROCEDURE
Long Descr Replacement, aortic valve; with transventricular aortic annulus enlargement (Konno procedure)
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 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)
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).
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.
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).
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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