CPT® Code 0544T

Transcatheter mitral valve annulus reconstruction, with implantation of adjustable annulus reconstruction device, percutaneous approach including transseptal puncture

Transcatheter mitral valve annulus reconstruction with implantation of an adjustable annulus reconstruction device is a minimally invasive cardiac procedure designed to address mitral valve prolapse (MVP) and associated mitral regurgitation (MR). This procedure is performed on a beating heart, allowing for the correction of valve dysfunction without the need for open-heart surgery. Mitral valve prolapse occurs when the valve leaflets do not close properly, leading to the backflow of blood into the left atrium, a condition known as regurgitation. The primary cause of MVP and MR is often myxomatous degeneration, a connective tissue disorder that results in the thickening and elongation of the chordae tendineae and valve leaflets, which may also develop nodules that hinder complete closure of the valve. During the procedure, access to the heart is achieved through a percutaneous approach, typically via a femoral vein, where a transseptal puncture is performed under the guidance of transesophageal ultrasound. This technique allows for the advancement of a steerable sheath into the left atrium, where the annulus reconstruction device is deployed. The device is designed to restore proper valve function by securing the valve leaflets in place, thus preventing regurgitation. The procedure is characterized by its use of advanced technology and techniques, making it a less invasive option for patients suffering from mitral valve disorders.