How To Use CPT Code 47144

CPT 47144 describes the backbench standard preparation of a cadaver donor whole liver graft prior to allotransplantation, including cholecystectomy if necessary, and dissection and removal of surrounding soft tissues to prepare the vena cava, portal vein, hepatic artery, and common bile duct for implantation. This article will cover the description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 47144?

CPT 47144 can be used to describe the backbench standard preparation of a cadaver donor whole liver graft before transplantation. This procedure involves the removal of the gallbladder, if necessary, and the dissection and removal of surrounding soft tissues to prepare the vena cava, portal vein, hepatic artery, and common bile duct for implantation. The liver is then split into two partial grafts, one consisting of the left lateral segment (segments II and III) and the other consisting of the right trisegment (segments I and IV through VIII).

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 47144 is: ‘Backbench standard preparation of cadaver donor whole liver graft prior to allotransplantation, including cholecystectomy, if necessary, and dissection and removal of surrounding soft tissues to prepare the vena cava, portal vein, hepatic artery, and common bile duct for implantation; with trisegment split of whole liver graft into 2 partial liver grafts (ie, left lateral segment [segments II and III] and right trisegment [segments I and IV through VIII]).’

3. Procedure

1. The provider begins by acquiring the liver from a cadaver donor that has been previously harvested.
2. The liver is then prepared for transplantation by flushing it with a preserving solution, such as saline.
3. If necessary, the provider may perform a cholecystectomy to remove the gallbladder.
4. The provider then proceeds to remove any surrounding soft tissues that are not needed for the transplant.
5. Next, the vena cava, portal vein, hepatic artery, and common bile duct are prepared for connection at the transplant site.
6. The liver is then split into two grafts, with the left lateral segment (segments II and III) forming one graft and the right trisegment (segments I and IV through VIII) forming the other graft.
7. The provider ensures proper blood flow through the vessels and prepares the bile duct for implantation.