CPT® Code 0142T

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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 in the pancreas responsible for producing insulin. These cells, known as the Islets of Langerhans, are carefully harvested from a donor pancreas and subsequently purified in a laboratory setting. Once prepared, the islet cells are injected into the patient's liver via the portal vein. This method allows the islet cells to integrate into the liver tissue, where they can potentially resume their function of insulin production, provided that the conditions within the liver remain conducive to their survival and activity. The transplantation can be performed using various techniques, including a minimally invasive percutaneous approach, an open surgical dissection to access the portal vein, or a laparoscopic method. While the procedure is generally associated with a low risk of complications, it is important to note that a single infusion of islet cells may not be sufficient for the patient to achieve independence from insulin therapy, and multiple transplant infusions may be necessary to optimize outcomes.