CPT® Code 15040

The procedure described by CPT® Code 15040 involves the harvesting of skin from a patient for the purpose of creating a tissue cultured skin autograft. This process is particularly relevant for patients suffering from extensive burns, specifically those with burns that cover 30% or more of their total body surface area (TBSA). The harvested skin, which is limited to an area of 100 square centimeters or less, is critical for the subsequent development of skin grafts that can be applied to the affected areas. During the procedure, a dermatome—a specialized surgical instrument—is utilized to obtain a thin layer of skin. To minimize bleeding during the harvesting process, the subcutaneous tissue is infiltrated with a solution that contains epinephrine. Once the skin is harvested, it is sent to a specialized laboratory where the epithelial cells are separated from the dermal cells. These cells are then placed in an incubator and provided with the necessary nutrients to promote growth, allowing them to develop into sheets of skin suitable for grafting. Additionally, the dermal cells may also be cultured, and the layers of cells can be combined before they are grafted onto the burn sites, enhancing the potential for successful healing and recovery.