CPT® Code 0585T

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

Islet cell transplantation is a specialized surgical 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 within the islets of the pancreas. This procedure involves the transplantation of islet cells harvested from a deceased donor's pancreas into the recipient's pancreas. The goal of the transplant is to restore the recipient's ability to produce insulin, thereby regulating blood glucose levels effectively. The islet cells are extracted using an automated filtering technique, which ensures that the cells are quickly purified and prepared for implantation. Timing is critical, as the islets must be transplanted shortly after their removal from the donor to maintain their viability. The procedure can be performed laparoscopically, utilizing small incisions and a camera for visualization, or through percutaneous methods under local anesthesia and sedation. In some instances, a small open incision may be necessary, requiring general anesthesia. During the transplant, 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 is typically completed within approximately one hour. Post-transplant, 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.