33910 Remove lung artery emboli
Also known as: Pulmonary embolectomy, PE removal, thromboembolectomy
Removal of pulmonary artery thrombus by pulmonary embolectomy with cardiopulmonary bypass; surgical extraction of massive pulmonary embolism with extracorporeal support.
In Plain Language
Heart surgery to remove blood clot from lung artery; Emergency clot removal from lung artery
Clinical Context
Emergency procedure for massive pulmonary embolism causing hemodynamic collapse refractory to thrombolytics. Cardiopulmonary bypass provides hemodynamic support during clot extraction.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 47.00 |
| Total RVU | 47.00 |
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 47.00, this code ranks in the 98th percentile among Surgery codes — 5.9x the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 33910?
CPT 33910 (Remove lung artery emboli) is a Surgery code. Removal of pulmonary artery thrombus by pulmonary embolectomy with cardiopulmonary bypass; surgical extraction of massive pulmonary embolism with extracorporeal support.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 33910?
The work RVU for CPT 33910 is 47.00. This code is primarily used by Cardiac Surgery, Cardiothoracic Surgery, Thoracic Surgery. It has a 90-day global period.
When is CPT 33910 used?
Emergency procedure for massive pulmonary embolism causing hemodynamic collapse refractory to thrombolytics. Cardiopulmonary bypass provides hemodynamic support during clot extraction.
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.