CPT® Code 0251T

Deleted

Bronchoscopy, rigid or flexible, including fluoroscopic guidance, when performed; with removal of bronchial valve(s), initial lobe

The procedure described by CPT® Code 0251T involves the removal of bronchial valve(s) from the initial lobe of the lungs, utilizing either a rigid or flexible bronchoscope. A bronchial valve is a device implanted in the airways to manage conditions such as emphysema, but it may need to be removed due to complications or insufficient patient benefit. The bronchoscope is a specialized instrument that allows for direct visualization and access to the airways, and it can be inserted through the nose or mouth. Once in place, the bronchoscope is navigated through the oropharynx and trachea, reaching the right or left mainstem bronchus. Fluoroscopic guidance may be employed during this process to enhance visualization and ensure accurate placement. The procedure involves careful examination of the bronchial structures, where the valve and its surrounding tissues are assessed. The central rod of the valve is then grasped with biopsy forceps, leading to the valve's collapse, which facilitates its removal. After the valve is extracted, the bronchoscope is reinserted to inspect the segmental or subsegmental bronchus for any signs of injury, followed by a thorough examination of the bronchi, trachea, and oropharynx. This procedure is specifically coded as 0251T for the removal of one or more valves from a single lobe, while 0252T is designated for the removal of valves from each additional lobe.