CPT® Code 0340T

Deleted

Ablation, pulmonary tumor(s), including pleura or chest wall when involved by tumor extension, percutaneous, cryoablation, unilateral, includes imaging guidance

Percutaneous cryoablation of pulmonary tumor(s) is a minimally invasive technique designed for the targeted destruction of tumors located in the lungs, including those that may extend to the pleura or chest wall. This procedure is particularly beneficial for patients who are not suitable candidates for traditional surgical resection due to various health concerns or for those with advanced tumors that are inoperable because of their size or anatomical location. The process begins with the administration of local anesthesia to numb the skin and underlying connective tissue down to the pleura, ensuring patient comfort during the procedure. In some cases, moderate sedation may also be utilized to enhance the patient's comfort level. Utilizing imaging guidance, typically through computed tomography (CT), a cryoprobe is carefully inserted into the tumor or the designated area of tissue. The cryoprobe delivers high-pressure argon or helium gases, which freeze the targeted tissue, effectively creating an ice ball that typically measures between 2 to 3 centimeters in diameter. This freezing process is executed in cycles, generally consisting of two five-minute freeze-thaw cycles followed by a longer ten-minute freeze-thaw cycle. The ice ball formed during the procedure remains in the body and is gradually reabsorbed, leading to the destruction of the tumor cells while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue.