CPT code 33969 designates the open removal of a peripheral cannula used for extracorporeal circulation in children from birth through five years of age. The code captures a discrete pediatric surgical service often associated with cardiothoracic or extracorporeal support workflows. Nationally, accurate coding for this procedure is important for clinical documentation, resource planning in pediatric surgical units, and alignment with payer coverage policies for pediatric extracorporeal interventions.

Key payers included in this analysis are Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find a concise overview of the code’s clinical context and typical site of service, plus guidance on what to expect from payer coverage considerations and common billing modifiers (where provided). The publication outlines benchmarks and policy-relevant items related to pediatric extracorporeal cannula management, highlights clinical scenarios where this code is applicable, and identifies areas where input data was not available.

This national-level summary is intended for coding professionals, billing managers, and clinical administrators seeking a clear, practice-focused description of CPT code 33969 and the operational considerations surrounding pediatric open removal of extracorporeal peripheral cannulas.