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

Resection or incision of subvalvular tissue for discrete subvalvular aortic stenosis

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

Resection or incision of subvalvular tissue for discrete subvalvular aortic stenosis is a surgical procedure aimed at addressing a specific type of aortic stenosis that occurs below the aortic valve within the left ventricle. In this condition, the aortic valve and the left ventricular-aortic junction maintain a normal size, but the presence of subvalvular stenosis obstructs the normal flow of blood from the left ventricle. This obstruction can lead to an increased workload on the heart, potentially resulting in left ventricular hypertrophy, which is the thickening of the heart muscle, and can ultimately lead to heart failure if left untreated. The procedure typically involves accessing the heart through a median sternotomy, which is a surgical incision made along the sternum. To ensure the heart remains functional during the operation, cardiopulmonary bypass is initiated. The surgical approach may involve incising the ventricular septum through the right ventricle or making an incision in the aorta. If the obstruction is due to a ridge or collar of tissue, the surgeon may either incise or resect this tissue to widen the outflow tract. Following the procedure, the incisions in the septum or aorta are closed, and cardiopulmonary bypass is discontinued, allowing the heart to resume its normal function.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The procedure of resection or incision of subvalvular tissue for discrete subvalvular aortic stenosis is indicated for patients who exhibit the following conditions:

  • Discrete Subvalvular Aortic Stenosis - This condition is characterized by a narrowing of the outflow tract below the aortic valve, which impedes normal blood flow from the left ventricle.
  • Increased Workload on the Heart - Patients may experience symptoms related to the increased workload on the heart due to the obstruction, which can lead to complications such as left ventricular hypertrophy.
  • Heart Failure Symptoms - Individuals may present with signs of heart failure, which can arise from the prolonged effects of the subvalvular stenosis on cardiac function.

2. Procedure

The procedure involves several critical steps to effectively address the subvalvular aortic stenosis:

  • Accessing the Heart - The surgical team begins by performing a median sternotomy, which involves making an incision along the sternum to gain access to the heart. This approach allows for direct visualization and manipulation of the cardiac structures.
  • Initiating Cardiopulmonary Bypass - Once access is achieved, cardiopulmonary bypass is initiated. This technique temporarily takes over the function of the heart and lungs, ensuring that blood circulation and oxygenation are maintained during the procedure.
  • Approaching the Ventricular Septum - The surgical team may choose to approach the ventricular septum through an incision in the right ventricle. This involves making an incision in the right ventricle to access the area of obstruction. Alternatively, an incision may be made directly in the aorta.
  • Incising or Resecting Tissue - If the obstruction is caused by a ridge or collar of tissue, the surgeon will either incise this tissue to widen the outflow tract or completely resect it to remove the obstruction and restore normal blood flow.
  • Closing the Incisions - After the obstruction has been addressed, the incision in the ventricular septum is closed with sutures if a right ventricular approach was used. If the aortic approach was taken, the incision in the aorta is also closed with sutures. This step is crucial to ensure the integrity of the heart's structure.
  • Discontinuing Cardiopulmonary Bypass - Once all surgical steps are completed, cardiopulmonary bypass is discontinued, allowing the heart to resume its normal function.
  • Closing Chest Incisions - Finally, the chest incisions are closed, completing the surgical procedure.

3. Post-Procedure

Post-procedure care involves monitoring the patient for any complications that may arise following the surgery. Patients are typically observed in a recovery area where vital signs are closely monitored. The expected recovery period may vary depending on the individual patient's condition and the extent of the surgery performed. Patients may require pain management and will be assessed for any signs of infection or other complications. Follow-up appointments will be necessary to evaluate the success of the procedure and to monitor the patient's heart function over time.

Short Descr REVISION SUBVALVULAR TISSUE
Medium Descr RESECTION/INCISION SUBVALVULAR TISSUE
Long Descr Resection or incision of subvalvular tissue for discrete subvalvular aortic stenosis
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)
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).
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.
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
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 Short 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"