CPT® Code 0426T

Deleted

A procedure is performed to insert or replace a neurostimulator system specifically designed for the treatment of central sleep apnea (CSA). Central sleep apnea is a condition characterized by the temporary cessation of breathing due to the brain's failure to signal the muscles responsible for respiration. This condition can be triggered by various factors, including cardiovascular disease, stroke, anatomical issues affecting the neck or brainstem, morbid obesity, and the use of narcotic medications. The neurostimulator system comprises an implantable pulse generator (IPG), which is surgically placed in a subcutaneous pocket, typically located in the right pectoral region. This system also includes a stimulation lead that is inserted into either the right brachiocephalic vein or the left pericardiophrenic vein (the latter being the preferred site) to facilitate unilateral phrenic nerve stimulation. Additionally, a pressure sensing lead is positioned in the azygos vein to monitor respiratory activity. The primary function of the IPG is to deliver electrical impulses to the phrenic nerve, thereby inducing diaphragm contractions that help restore normal breathing patterns. The procedure is conducted under conscious sedation, allowing the patient to remain communicative throughout the process, which involves gaining venous access through a small incision in the right axillary, cephalic, or subclavian vein.