33924 Remove pulmonary shunt
Also known as: Shunt takedown, shunt removal, shunt closure
Removal of pulmonary shunt (prior systemic-pulmonary artery shunt procedure); surgical removal or takedown of a previously placed shunt connecting systemic circulation to pulmonary circulation.
In Plain Language
Surgery to remove prior heart artery connection; Shunt closure procedure
Clinical Context
Performed when a prior Blalock-Taussig shunt, central shunt, or other systemic-to-pulmonary artery shunt is no longer needed, typically after definitive repair of the underlying cardiac defect.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 5.35 |
| Total RVU | 5.35 |
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. Ensure the diagnosis code (ICD-10) supports medical necessity for the procedure.
How This Code Compares
With a work RVU of 5.35, this code ranks in the 36th percentile among Surgery codes — 1.5x below the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 33924?
CPT 33924 (Remove pulmonary shunt) is a Surgery code. Removal of pulmonary shunt (prior systemic-pulmonary artery shunt procedure); surgical removal or takedown of a previously placed shunt connecting systemic circulation to pulmonary circulation.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 33924?
The work RVU for CPT 33924 is 5.35. This code is primarily used by Cardiac Surgery, Congenital Heart Surgery, Pediatric Cardiology.
When is CPT 33924 used?
Performed when a prior Blalock-Taussig shunt, central shunt, or other systemic-to-pulmonary artery shunt is no longer needed, typically after definitive repair of the underlying cardiac defect.
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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.