CPT® Code 0586T

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

Islet cell transplantation is a specialized surgical procedure aimed at treating Type 1 diabetes, a chronic 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 improving glucose metabolism and reducing the complications associated with diabetes. 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. The procedure can be performed using various techniques, including percutaneous methods, laparoscopic approaches, or through a small open incision, depending on the specific circumstances and the surgeon's preference. 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 guided by imaging techniques such as X-ray and ultrasound to ensure precision. 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.