CPT® Code 79445

Radiopharmaceutical therapy by intra-arterial particulate administration involves the targeted delivery of radiolabeled microspheric beads, specifically yttrium-90, directly into tumors. This method is primarily utilized for treating liver tumors, where precise targeting is crucial for effective treatment. The procedure typically requires angiography, a diagnostic imaging technique that allows healthcare providers to visualize the blood vessels and access the target organ accurately. This ensures that the microspheres are optimally placed at the tumor site, maximizing the therapeutic effect while minimizing exposure to surrounding healthy tissues. Due to the nature of the procedure, patients may need to be hospitalized and may also require sedation or general anesthesia to ensure comfort and safety during the administration of the therapy. The use of intra-arterial particulate administration of radiopharmaceuticals is advantageous as it provides a focused treatment approach, utilizing isotopes with a short radioactive half-life, which helps to limit the radiation exposure to other areas of the body.