CPT® Code 77031

Deleted

Stereotactic localization guidance for breast biopsy or needle placement (eg, for wire localization or for injection), each lesion, radiological supervision and interpretation

The CPT® Code 77031 refers to the process of stereotactic localization guidance specifically for breast biopsy or needle placement procedures. This code encompasses the radiological supervision and interpretation required for the procedure involving a single lesion. Stereotactic localization is a sophisticated imaging technique that employs a fixed coordinate system to accurately pinpoint the location of a lesion within the breast. This is achieved by defining the lesion's position using specific x, y, and z coordinates, which are relative to a predetermined reference point. During the procedure, the breast is carefully positioned between a compression plate and a supportive structure at the back, ensuring that the lesion remains in a stable and fixed position throughout the imaging process. The thickness of the breast under compression is a critical factor, as it determines the depth dimension of the lesion. Initially, an image is captured at a perpendicular angle of 0 degrees to the compression plate, which serves to center the lesion within the biopsy window of the compression plate. Following this, additional images are taken at various specified angles, rotating around the known center, allowing for geometric calculations to accurately determine the lesion's location in three-dimensional space. Ultimately, this precise localization enables the insertion of a needle into the lesion for biopsy, wire localization, or injection procedures, all guided by the established stereotactic coordinates.