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Official Description

Valvuloplasty, tricuspid valve; with ring insertion

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The procedure described by CPT® Code 33464 refers to a valvuloplasty of the tricuspid valve that includes the insertion of a ring. This surgical intervention is performed to address conditions such as tricuspid valve regurgitation, insufficiency, or incompetence, which occur when the tricuspid valve fails to close properly. The tricuspid valve is situated between the right atrium and the right ventricle of the heart, playing a crucial role in maintaining unidirectional blood flow. In cases of tricuspid valve regurgitation, the valve leaflets may bulge upward into the right atrium during ventricular contraction, leading to a backflow of blood. This condition can arise from various structural changes affecting the valve's components, including the leaflets, chordae tendineae, annulus, or papillary muscles. The surgical approach typically involves a median sternotomy to access the heart, followed by the establishment of cardiopulmonary bypass to facilitate the procedure. The specific repair techniques employed during the valvuloplasty depend on the nature and severity of the valve damage, with options including annuloplasty to reduce the orifice size and reconstruction of the valve leaflets. The use of a ring annuloplasty device is indicated when the annulus is dilated, ensuring proper valve function post-repair.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The procedure is indicated for the following conditions:

  • Tricuspid Valve Regurgitation - A condition where the tricuspid valve does not close tightly, allowing blood to flow backward into the right atrium.
  • Tricuspid Valve Insufficiency - A failure of the tricuspid valve to function properly, leading to inadequate sealing during the cardiac cycle.
  • Tricuspid Valve Incompetence - A term used to describe the inability of the tricuspid valve to maintain proper closure, resulting in regurgitation.

2. Procedure

The procedure involves several critical steps to ensure effective repair of the tricuspid valve:

  • Median Sternotomy - The surgical approach begins with a median sternotomy, which involves making an incision along the sternum to gain access to the heart.
  • Establishment of Cardiopulmonary Bypass - Once access is achieved, cardiopulmonary bypass is initiated to take over the heart's pumping function, allowing the surgeon to operate on a still and bloodless field.
  • Incision in the Right Atrium - An incision is made in the right atrium to expose the tricuspid valve, enabling direct access for repair.
  • Assessment of Valve Damage - The surgeon evaluates the type and extent of damage or malformation of the tricuspid valve to determine the appropriate repair technique.
  • Annuloplasty (if necessary) - If the valve annulus is found to be dilated, an annuloplasty is performed to reduce the size of the orifice. This is achieved by plicating the edges of the valve to decrease the diameter.
  • Insertion of Ring Annuloplasty Device - When indicated, a ring annuloplasty device is sized and placed within the annulus, secured with sutures to maintain the new shape and size of the valve opening.
  • Chordae Repair - If the chordae tendineae are ruptured or elongated, they may be resected and plicated to narrow the valve diameter. Broken chordae can be replaced with nonabsorbable synthetic sutures, and other techniques may involve transferring chordae from one leaflet to another.
  • Valve Leaflet Reconstruction - The valve leaflets may be reconstructed as needed to restore proper function.
  • Closure of the Heart Incision - After completing the necessary repairs, the incision in the heart is closed, and the patient is gradually weaned off cardiopulmonary bypass.
  • Placement of Chest Tubes - Chest tubes are placed as required to facilitate drainage and prevent fluid accumulation.
  • Closure of the Chest - Finally, the chest is closed, completing the surgical procedure.

3. Post-Procedure

Post-procedure care involves monitoring the patient for any complications and ensuring proper recovery. Patients may require observation in a critical care setting initially, with attention to vital signs and cardiac function. The placement of chest tubes aids in the management of any potential fluid accumulation in the thoracic cavity. Pain management and gradual mobilization are also essential components of post-operative care. Follow-up evaluations will assess the success of the valve repair and overall cardiac function.

Short Descr VALVULOPLASTY TRICUSPID
Medium Descr VALVULOPLASTY TRICUSPID VALVE W/RING INSERTION
Long Descr Valvuloplasty, tricuspid valve; with ring insertion
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).
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
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).
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).
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.
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).
53 Discontinued procedure: under certain circumstances, the physician or other qualified health care professional may elect to terminate a surgical or diagnostic procedure. due to extenuating circumstances or those that threaten the well being of the patient, it may be necessary to indicate that a surgical or diagnostic procedure was started but discontinued. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 53 to the code reported by the individual for the discontinued procedure. note: this modifier is not used to report the elective cancellation of a procedure prior to the patient's anesthesia induction and/or surgical preparation in the operating suite. for outpatient hospital/ambulatory surgery center (asc) 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.)
81 Minimum assistant surgeon: minimum surgical assistant services are identified by adding modifier 81 to the usual procedure number.
AQ Physician providing a service in an unlisted health professional shortage area (hpsa)
CR Catastrophe/disaster related
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
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.
1994-01-01 Added First appearance in code book in 1994.
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