33020 Incision of heart sacral
Also known as: pericardiotomy, surgical pericardial drainage, pericardial window
Surgical incision of the pericardium (pericardiotomy) for drainage or access to the pericardial sac and heart. Open surgical approach.
Clinical Context
Used for pericardial effusion, constrictive pericarditis, or tamponade when percutaneous approaches are ineffective or contraindicated. Allows superior drainage and hemostasis.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 13.95 |
| Practice Expense RVU | 6.10 |
| Malpractice RVU | 3.41 |
| Total RVU | 23.46 |
Est. Medicare Payment
National estimate based on 2026 CMS PFS Conversion Factor ($33.40). Actual payment varies by locality (GPCI adjustment).
Specialties
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CPT® is a registered trademark of the American Medical Association. Data sourced from CMS Physician Fee Schedule RVU26A. Descriptions, synonyms, and clinical context are original content by RVU Edge.