CPT® Code 94610

Intrapulmonary surfactant administration by a physician or other qualified health care professional through endotracheal tube

The CPT® Code 94610 refers to the procedure of intrapulmonary surfactant administration, which is performed by a physician or other qualified health care professional. This procedure involves the delivery of surfactant directly into the lungs through an endotracheal tube. Surfactant is a substance that plays a critical role in reducing the surface tension within the pulmonary alveoli, which are the tiny air sacs in the lungs where gas exchange occurs. By lowering this surface tension, surfactant helps to prevent the alveoli from collapsing, thereby facilitating easier breathing and improving overall lung function. This procedure is particularly vital for premature neonates, who often suffer from a deficiency of surfactant due to their underdeveloped lungs. Administering surfactant can significantly enhance the survival rates of these infants and decrease the risk of developing chronic lung diseases associated with respiratory distress syndrome. During the procedure, the patient is intubated with an endotracheal tube, and a bolus of surfactant, such as Curosurf, is typically administered at a dosage of approximately 100 mg/kg, ensuring that the medication reaches the lungs effectively.