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Official Description

Transcatheter implantation of wireless pulmonary artery pressure sensor for long-term hemodynamic monitoring, including deployment and calibration of the sensor, right heart catheterization, selective pulmonary catheterization, radiological supervision and interpretation, and pulmonary artery angiography, when performed

© Copyright 2026 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The procedure described by CPT® Code 33289 involves the transcatheter implantation of a wireless pulmonary artery pressure sensor, which is a critical tool for long-term hemodynamic monitoring. This sensor is designed to detect sudden increases in right heart filling pressure, which can indicate worsening heart failure or an imminent exacerbation of the condition. By identifying these changes early, healthcare providers can initiate medical interventions before the patient experiences significant symptoms. The wireless nature of the sensor allows it to transmit pressure readings using radiofrequency magnetic telemetry, facilitating continuous monitoring without the need for invasive procedures after implantation.

During the procedure, the patient is typically brought to a cardiac catheterization laboratory, where a percutaneous access point is established in the femoral vein located in the groin. This access allows for the introduction of various catheters necessary for the procedure. The process includes several key steps such as right heart catheterization, selective pulmonary catheterization, and, if performed, pulmonary artery angiography. Radiological supervision and interpretation are also integral to ensure the accurate placement of the sensor and to monitor the procedure's progress. Overall, this advanced technique enhances the ability to manage heart failure by providing real-time data on pulmonary artery pressures, thereby improving patient outcomes through timely interventions.

© Copyright 2026 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The transcatheter implantation of a wireless pulmonary artery pressure sensor is indicated for patients who require long-term hemodynamic monitoring due to conditions that may lead to heart failure exacerbations. The following are specific indications for this procedure:

  • Heart Failure Management Patients with chronic heart failure who are at risk of sudden increases in right heart filling pressure.
  • Monitoring of Hemodynamic Status Individuals needing continuous assessment of pulmonary artery pressures to guide treatment decisions.
  • Prevention of Heart Failure Exacerbations Patients who may benefit from early intervention to prevent worsening symptoms associated with heart failure.

2. Procedure

The procedure for the transcatheter implantation of a wireless pulmonary artery pressure sensor involves several critical steps, each designed to ensure accurate placement and functionality of the sensor.

  • Step 1: Patient Preparation The patient is positioned in the cardiac catheterization laboratory, and standard monitoring is established. Sedation may be administered to ensure patient comfort during the procedure.
  • Step 2: Access Establishment A percutaneous access point is created in the femoral vein located in the groin. A 12 Fr. sheath introducer is inserted over a guidewire, which is then removed to allow for catheter insertion.
  • Step 3: Right Heart Catheterization Under fluoroscopic guidance, a pulmonary artery (PA) catheter is threaded through the sheath and advanced to the right atrium and ventricle. Pressure readings are obtained and recorded at these locations.
  • Step 4: Pulmonary Artery Catheterization The PA catheter is further advanced into the pulmonary artery until it wedges into position in either the right or left lung. Additional pressure readings are obtained and documented.
  • Step 5: Angiography If performed, pulmonary artery angiography is conducted to identify the optimal target site for sensor implantation.
  • Step 6: Sensor Delivery A guidewire is advanced through the PA catheter to the predetermined implantation site. The PA catheter is then removed, and a delivery catheter containing the sensor is prepared. The delivery catheter is immersed in saline to activate its hydrophilic coating before being introduced over the guidewire and advanced to the target site.
  • Step 7: Sensor Placement The wireless pulmonary artery pressure sensor is released into position within the pulmonary artery.
  • Step 8: Calibration and Monitoring Setup The bedside monitoring display system is programmed with the baseline pressure readings obtained at the start of the procedure. The radiofrequency data collection antenna is placed under the patient’s back, and the sensor is calibrated to ensure optimal functionality.
  • Step 9: Completion of the Procedure Once the sensor is confirmed to be functioning properly, the delivery catheter and guidewire are removed. The sheath is then taken out, and the incision in the groin is closed appropriately.

3. Post-Procedure

After the transcatheter implantation of the wireless pulmonary artery pressure sensor, the patient is monitored for any immediate complications related to the procedure. Standard post-procedure care includes monitoring the access site for bleeding or hematoma formation and assessing the patient's vital signs. Patients may be observed for a period to ensure that the sensor is functioning correctly and that there are no adverse reactions. Follow-up appointments will be scheduled to review the data collected by the sensor and to make any necessary adjustments to the patient's treatment plan based on the hemodynamic information obtained.

Short Descr TCAT IMPL WRLS P-ART PRS SNR
Medium Descr TCAT IMPL WRLS P-ART PRS SNR L-T HEMODYN MNTR
Long Descr Transcatheter implantation of wireless pulmonary artery pressure sensor for long-term hemodynamic monitoring, including deployment and calibration of the sensor, right heart catheterization, selective pulmonary catheterization, radiological supervision and interpretation, and pulmonary artery angiography, when performed
Status Code Active Code
Global Days 000 - Endoscopic or Minor Procedure
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) 0 - Payment restriction for assistants at surgery applies 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 Hospital Part B services paid through a comprehensive APC
ASC Payment Indicator Device-intensive procedure added to ASC list in CY 2008 or later; paid at adjusted rate.
Type of Service (TOS) 2 - Surgery
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) none
MUE 1
Q0 Investigational clinical service provided in a clinical research study that is in an approved clinical research study
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.
26 Professional component: certain procedures are a combination of a physician or other qualified health care professional component and a technical component. when the physician or other qualified health care professional component is reported separately, the service may be identified by adding modifier 26 to the usual procedure number.
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).
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.
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).
AO Alternate payment method declined by provider of service
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
GW Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition
KX Requirements specified in the medical policy have been met
LT Left side (used to identify procedures performed on the left side of the body)
Q1 Routine clinical service provided in a clinical research study that is in an approved clinical research study
RT Right side (used to identify procedures performed on the right side of the body)
XE Separate encounter, a service that is distinct because it occurred during a separate encounter
XS Separate structure, a service that is distinct because it was performed on a separate organ/structure
XU Unusual non-overlapping service, the use of a service that is distinct because it does not overlap usual components of the main service
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2019-01-01 Added Added
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