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Official Description

Closure of multiple ventricular septal defects;

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

A ventricular septal defect (VSD) is a congenital heart defect characterized by one or more abnormal openings in the septum that separates the heart's ventricles. This condition can lead to significant hemodynamic changes and requires surgical intervention for correction. The procedure associated with CPT® Code 33675 involves the closure of multiple VSDs through a surgical approach that typically requires an incision in the chest to access the heart. During the operation, the pericardium, which is the fibrous sac surrounding the heart, is incised, and a patch may be harvested if necessary for the repair. Cardiopulmonary bypass is initiated to maintain circulation and oxygenation while the heart is being operated on. The multiple VSDs are repaired through an incision made in the right atrium, pulmonary artery, or the outflow tract of the right ventricle, known as the infundibulum. The defects can be closed using sutures or by placing a patch over the openings. If a patch is utilized, it may consist of synthetic material or a previously harvested piece of pericardium, which is sutured securely over the defects to restore normal heart function. After the repairs are completed, the access incision is closed, and cardiopulmonary bypass is discontinued. Chest tubes are then placed to facilitate drainage, and the chest incision is finally closed, marking the completion of the procedure.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The closure of multiple ventricular septal defects (VSDs) is indicated in patients presenting with the following conditions:

  • Congenital Heart Defect: Presence of one or more abnormal openings in the ventricular septum that may lead to significant hemodynamic compromise.
  • Symptoms of Heart Failure: Patients may exhibit signs of heart failure due to increased pulmonary blood flow resulting from the VSDs.
  • Pulmonary Overcirculation: The condition may lead to pulmonary hypertension and other complications if not addressed.
  • Obstruction of Right Ventricular Outflow Tract: In cases where VSDs are associated with obstruction, such as in tetralogy of Fallot, surgical intervention is necessary.

2. Procedure

The procedure for the closure of multiple VSDs involves several critical steps:

  • Step 1: Incision and Access An incision is made in the chest to provide access to the heart. This allows the surgeon to reach the pericardium, which is then incised to expose the heart.
  • Step 2: Initiation of Cardiopulmonary Bypass Cardiopulmonary bypass is initiated to maintain blood circulation and oxygenation while the heart is temporarily stopped for the procedure.
  • Step 3: Repair of VSDs The surgeon repairs the multiple VSDs through an incision made in the right atrium, pulmonary artery, or the outflow tract of the right ventricle. The defects are closed using sutures or a patch, which may be made of synthetic material or harvested pericardium.
  • Step 4: Closure of Access Incision After the VSDs are repaired, the access incision is closed, and cardiopulmonary bypass is discontinued, allowing the heart to resume its normal function.
  • Step 5: Placement of Chest Tubes Chest tubes are placed to facilitate drainage of any excess fluid or blood from the chest cavity post-surgery.
  • Step 6: Final Closure The chest incision is then closed, completing the surgical procedure.

3. Post-Procedure

Post-procedure care involves monitoring the patient for any complications, ensuring proper drainage through the chest tubes, and managing pain. Patients are typically observed in a recovery unit until stable. Follow-up imaging may be required to assess the success of the VSD closure and to monitor for any potential complications such as residual defects or pulmonary hypertension. The recovery period may vary based on the patient's overall health and the complexity of the surgery performed.

Short Descr CLOSE MULT VSD
Medium Descr CLOSURE MULTIPLE VENTRICULAR SEPTAL DEFECTS
Long Descr Closure of multiple ventricular septal defects;
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) P2B - Major procedure, cardiovascular-Aneurysm repair
MUE 1
CCS Clinical Classification 49 - Other OR heart procedures

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)
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)
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)
GC This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician
Date
Action
Notes
2010-01-01 Changed Code description changed.
2007-01-01 Added First appearance in code book in 2007.
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