Unlisted procedure, cardiac surgery
CPT4 code
Name of the Procedure:
Unlisted Procedure, Cardiac Surgery (also known as unspecified cardiac surgery, custom cardiac operation)
Summary
This is a type of cardiac surgery that doesn't fall into the predefined categories of heart procedures. It is customized to meet the specific needs of a patient's heart condition that requires a novel or less common surgical approach.
Purpose
The purpose of an unlisted cardiac procedure is to address unique or complex heart conditions that necessitate a customized surgical approach. The goal is to improve heart function, relieve symptoms, and enhance the patient's quality of life.
Indications
- Complex congenital heart defects
- Rare cardiovascular diseases
- Specific patient anatomy that requires a customized surgical approach
- Conditions not fully addressed by standard cardiac surgeries
Preparation
- Fasting for at least 8 hours before surgery
- Adjustments in medication as advised by the healthcare provider
- Diagnostic tests such as echocardiogram, cardiac MRI, chest X-ray, or blood tests
- Pre-surgical consultations with cardiologists and surgeons
Procedure Description
- The patient is placed under general anesthesia.
- A surgical incision is made in the chest to access the heart.
- Depending on the specific case, the heart is either stopped using cardiopulmonary bypass or kept beating with support.
- The surgeon performs the necessary custom repairs or modifications.
- The incision is closed and the patient is moved to the recovery area.
- Tools & Equipment: Cardiopulmonary bypass machine, monitoring equipment, specially designed surgical instruments.
- Anesthesia: General anesthesia is administered.
Duration
The duration of an unlisted cardiac procedure can vary widely but generally ranges from 3 to 6 hours.
Setting
Typically performed in a hospital setting, specifically in an operating room with specialized equipment for cardiac surgery.
Personnel
- Cardiothoracic surgeon
- Anesthesiologist
- Surgical nurses
- Perfusionist (if cardiopulmonary bypass is used)
- Cardiology specialist (for intraoperative support)
Risks and Complications
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Blood clots
- Heart attack or stroke
- Arrhythmias
- Need for reoperation
- Adverse reactions to anesthesia
Benefits
- Relief of specific heart condition symptoms
- Improved heart function
- Prevention of future cardiovascular complications
- Enhanced quality of life
Recovery
- Initial recovery in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) for close monitoring
- Transition to a regular hospital room for further recovery
- Pain management with medications
- Gradual increase in physical activity
- Follow-up appointments for monitoring recovery
- Full recovery may take several weeks to months
Alternatives
- Standard cardiac surgeries (e.g., coronary artery bypass grafting, valve replacement)
- Non-surgical interventions (e.g., medications, catheter-based procedures)
- Alternative therapies depend on the specific heart condition being treated and patient suitability.
Patient Experience
- Expectation of feeling groggy or disoriented immediately after surgery due to anesthesia.
- Postoperative pain managed with medications.
- Restricted physical activity during initial recovery period.
- Plan for gradual resumption of normal activities as guided by healthcare providers.
- Emotional support may be beneficial during recovery for coping and motivation.