Need help choosing the right code?
Ask CasePilot about procedures, modifiers, bundling, and coding guidance.
Try CasePilot© Copyright 2026 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.
The procedure described by CPT® Code 33321 involves the suture repair of the aorta or great vessels, specifically when a shunt bypass is utilized. This surgical intervention is critical in addressing injuries to the aorta or great vessels, which can arise from various forms of trauma, including both blunt and penetrating injuries. Such injuries may lead to severe complications such as transection, rupture, tear, or laceration of the aorta or great vessels, necessitating immediate surgical repair to restore vascular integrity and prevent life-threatening hemorrhage. The use of a shunt bypass during the repair process allows for the maintenance of distal aortic perfusion, which is essential for ensuring adequate blood flow to the body's organs and tissues while the repair is being performed. This procedure is typically conducted through a thoracotomy, where the surgeon gains access to the thoracic cavity to directly visualize and repair the damaged vessels. The complexity of this procedure underscores the importance of precise surgical techniques and careful management of the surrounding anatomical structures to achieve a successful outcome.
© Copyright 2026 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.
The suture repair of the aorta or great vessels with shunt bypass is indicated in the following scenarios:
The procedure for suture repair of the aorta or great vessels with shunt bypass involves several critical steps:
After the suture repair of the aorta or great vessels with shunt bypass, careful monitoring is essential to assess the patient's recovery. The placement of chest tubes may be necessary to manage any potential fluid accumulation or air leaks in the thoracic cavity. Patients will typically require close observation in a critical care setting to monitor vital signs, hemodynamic stability, and any signs of complications such as bleeding or infection. The recovery process may vary depending on the extent of the injury and the complexity of the repair, but patients can expect a gradual return to normal activities as they heal. Follow-up imaging studies may be performed to ensure the integrity of the repair and to monitor for any potential complications.
| Short Descr | REPAIR MAJOR VESSEL | Medium Descr | SUTR RPR AORTA/GREAT VESSEL W/SHUNT BYPASS | Long Descr | Suture repair of aorta or great vessels; with shunt bypass | 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 | 61 - Other OR procedures on vessels other than head and neck |
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) | 33258 | 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), without cardiopulmonary bypass (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. |
|
Date
|
Action
|
Notes
|
|---|---|---|
| 1995-01-01 | Added | First appearance in code book in 1995. |
Get instant expert-level medical coding assistance.