33404 Prepare heart-aorta conduit
Also known as: conduit preparation, Ross procedure component
Preparation of aorta-to-left ventricle conduit, harvesting and preparing tissue for Ross procedure or other conduit reconstruction.
In Plain Language
preparing heart tissue for special valve surgery
Clinical Context
Used in Ross procedure (pulmonary autograft to aortic position) preparation.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 30.59 |
| Total RVU | 30.59 |
Est. Medicare Payment
National estimate based on 2026 CMS PFS Conversion Factor ($33.40). Actual payment varies by locality (GPCI adjustment).
Billing & Documentation
As a surgical CPT code, proper documentation must include the operative report detailing the procedure performed, patient positioning, approach, findings, and any complications. This code has a 90-day global period, which includes the day of the procedure, 1 day preoperative, and 90 days of postoperative care. Ensure the diagnosis code (ICD-10) supports medical necessity for the procedure.
How This Code Compares
With a work RVU of 30.59, this code ranks in the 93rd percentile among Surgery codes — 3.8x the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 33404?
CPT 33404 (Prepare heart-aorta conduit) is a Surgery code. Preparation of aorta-to-left ventricle conduit, harvesting and preparing tissue for Ross procedure or other conduit reconstruction.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 33404?
The work RVU for CPT 33404 is 30.59. This code is primarily used by Cardiac Surgery, Cardiothoracic Surgery. It has a 90-day global period.
When is CPT 33404 used?
Used in Ross procedure (pulmonary autograft to aortic position) preparation.
Track This Code in RVU Edge
Log procedures, calculate wRVUs, and benchmark against national data — all in one app.
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.