CPT® Code 59866

Multifetal pregnancy reduction (MPR), also known as multifetal pregnancy reduction (MFPR), is a medical procedure aimed at reducing the number of fetuses in a multifetal pregnancy. This intervention is typically performed to induce fetal demise of one or more fetuses, thereby allowing the remaining fetuses to have a better chance of developing healthily and being carried to term. The procedure is particularly relevant in cases where carrying multiple fetuses poses significant risks to both the mother and the fetuses, including complications associated with preterm delivery. Prior to the procedure, patients undergo thorough counseling to discuss the implications and outcomes of MPR. Confirmation of gestational age, typically between 9 to 12 weeks, is essential, along with fetal genetic testing to assess the viability of the fetuses. The physician prepares the patient for the procedure by cleansing the abdomen and administering a local anesthetic to minimize discomfort. Utilizing ultrasound guidance, a needle is carefully inserted through the abdomen into the uterus, allowing for precise targeting of the selected fetus. A potassium chloride solution is then injected into the thorax or another designated site of the fetus, effectively stopping the fetal heart. This process may be repeated until the desired number of viable fetuses remains, ensuring a more favorable outcome for the ongoing pregnancy.