CPT code 33261 designates a cardiac surgical ablation targeting a focal ventricular arrhythmia performed with the patient on cardiopulmonary bypass. The procedure is clinically significant because it addresses life‑threatening ventricular rhythms that may not be controlled by catheter-based approaches, and it typically requires an operating room and cardiothoracic surgical resources. Nationally, procedures of this type influence hospital resource utilization, perioperative cardiac care pathways, and coverage discussions for advanced electrophysiologic and surgical therapies.

Key payers covered in this analysis include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find a concise review of the clinical context and service setting for CPT code 33261, a summary of payer coverage considerations and common modifier usage where available, and guidance on where to find relevant policy and coding updates. The publication also provides benchmarking and utilization framing where data exists and notes when specific items are not provided.

This summary is intended for coding professionals, practice managers, and clinical leaders seeking a national overview of the code’s clinical meaning, typical site of service, and the payer landscape relevant to surgical ventricular ablation performed with cardiopulmonary bypass.