CPT® Code 0313T

Deleted

Vagus nerve blocking therapy (morbid obesity); laparoscopic revision or replacement of vagal trunk neurostimulator electrode array, including connection to existing pulse generator

Vagus nerve blocking (VBLOC) therapy is a medical procedure designed to assist in the treatment of morbid obesity. The vagus nerve, also known as the pneumogastric nerve or cranial nerve X, originates from the brainstem and consists of two branches that extend along the esophagus, bronchi, and major blood vessels, passing through the diaphragm and terminating in the upper part of the stomach. This nerve plays a crucial role in the regulation of hunger and satiety by transmitting signals between the stomach, pancreas, and brain. In VBLOC therapy, an intermittent, high-frequency, low-energy electrical stimulus is applied to block these nerve impulses, thereby influencing the sensation of hunger and promoting weight loss. The procedure involves laparoscopic techniques for the revision or replacement of the vagal trunk neurostimulator electrode array, which includes connecting to an existing pulse generator. This minimally invasive approach allows for the adjustment or replacement of the electrode arrays that are strategically positioned around the vagus nerve trunks, facilitating effective management of obesity through neuromodulation.