CPT® Code 0141T

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Pancreatic islet cell transplantation is a specialized medical procedure aimed at treating individuals with type I diabetes who experience significant challenges in managing their blood sugar levels through insulin therapy alone. This procedure involves the extraction of islet cells, which are clusters of cells within the pancreas responsible for producing insulin. These cells, known as the Islets of Langerhans, are harvested from a donor pancreas and subsequently purified in a laboratory setting. Once prepared, the islet cells are introduced into the patient's liver via the portal vein, a major blood vessel that carries blood from the digestive organs to the liver. The goal of this transplantation is to enable the islet cells to attach to the liver and begin producing insulin, thereby improving the patient's ability to regulate blood sugar levels. The procedure is characterized as minimally invasive, particularly when performed percutaneously, which involves inserting a needle through the skin to access the portal vein. Alternative methods for this procedure include open dissection and laparoscopic techniques, which also target the portal vein. While pancreatic islet cell transplantation can significantly enhance the quality of life for patients, it is important to note that a single infusion of islet cells may not be sufficient to eliminate insulin dependence, and multiple transplant infusions may be necessary to achieve optimal results.