CPT® Code 0584T

Islet cell transplant, includes portal vein catheterization and infusion, including all imaging, including guidance, and radiological supervision and interpretation, when performed; percutaneous

Islet cell transplantation is a specialized medical procedure aimed at treating Type 1 diabetes, a condition characterized by the body's inability to produce adequate insulin due to the destruction of insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreatic islets. This transplantation involves the transfer of islet cells from a deceased donor into the pancreas of a patient suffering from Type 1 diabetes. The procedure is designed to restore the patient's ability to produce insulin, thereby helping to regulate blood glucose levels effectively. The islet cells are harvested from the donor pancreas using an automated filtering technique, which ensures that the cells are quickly purified and prepared for transplantation. Timing is critical, as the islets must be implanted shortly after their removal to maintain their viability. The transplantation is typically performed percutaneously, meaning it is done through the skin, often under local anesthesia and sedation, with the assistance of imaging techniques such as X-ray and ultrasound for guidance. In some instances, a laparoscopic approach may be utilized, or a small open incision may be made under general anesthesia. During the procedure, a catheter is inserted into the portal vein of the liver, allowing for the infusion of the donor islets directly into the liver. This process generally takes about one hour to complete. Post-transplantation, patients are required to take immunosuppressive medications to prevent their immune system from rejecting the newly transplanted islet cells, which is a critical aspect of the procedure's success.