CPT® Code 69718

Deleted

Replacement (including removal of existing device), osseointegrated implant, temporal bone, with percutaneous attachment to external speech processor/cochlear stimulator; with mastoidectomy

An osseointegrated implant is a specialized device used to improve hearing in patients who experience hearing loss due to conditions affecting the middle ear and cochlea. The procedure described by CPT® Code 69718 involves the replacement of an existing osseointegrated implant in the temporal bone, which is a critical area of the skull that houses structures essential for hearing. This replacement procedure includes the removal of the current implant and the installation of a new one, which is then attached percutaneously to an external speech processor or cochlear stimulator. The process begins with careful measurement and marking of the skin over the implant site, followed by an incision to expose the mastoid complex. This exposure is crucial as it allows the surgeon to create skin and periosteal flaps, which facilitate access to the underlying bone. The existing implant is then removed after drilling out the surrounding bone, and the site is prepared to accommodate the new implant. The new implant is secured in place, and the skin flap is modified to allow for the attachment of the external device. This procedure is particularly significant for patients who have lost their hearing due to disease, as it aims to restore auditory function and improve quality of life.