CPT® Code 0352T

Optical coherence tomography of breast or axillary lymph node, excised tissue, each specimen; interpretation and report, real-time or referred

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a sophisticated, non-invasive imaging technique that provides high-resolution images of the microscopic features of breast tissue and axillary lymph nodes. This advanced imaging modality employs near-infrared light to capture detailed images in real-time, allowing for the differentiation between lymphatic tissue and adipose (fat) tissue. The procedure is particularly valuable during surgical interventions, as it can reveal critical structures within lymph nodes, such as germinal centers and intranodal lymph and blood vessels. Additionally, OCT plays a crucial role in identifying metastatic disease, which is the spread of cancer cells to lymph nodes. By utilizing OCT during breast cancer surgeries, surgeons can minimize the number of non-diseased lymph nodes that are removed, thereby reducing the risk of complications such as lymphedema, a condition characterized by swelling due to lymph fluid accumulation. Furthermore, OCT aids in monitoring tumor margins, which allows for the conservation of healthy breast tissue during excision, ultimately leading to less extensive breast reconstruction. While CPT® Code 0351T is designated for the real-time intraoperative application of OCT, CPT® Code 0352T specifically pertains to the physician's interpretation of the OCT findings and the subsequent report generated from the analysis of each specimen.