CPT® Code 0353T

1. Indications

Optical coherence tomography of the breast surgical cavity is indicated for the following conditions:

• Breast Cancer Surgery This procedure is performed during surgical interventions for breast cancer to assist in the identification and removal of tumor tissue while preserving healthy breast tissue.
• Assessment of Surgical Margins OCT is utilized to evaluate the surgical margins in real-time, ensuring that all cancerous tissue is excised and reducing the likelihood of residual disease.

2. Procedure

The procedure involves several critical steps to ensure effective imaging and assessment of the breast tissue during surgery:

• Preparation for Imaging Prior to the application of optical coherence tomography, the surgical site is prepared, and the necessary equipment is set up to facilitate real-time imaging. This includes ensuring that the OCT device is calibrated and ready for use.
• Intraoperative Imaging During the surgical procedure, the OCT device is positioned to capture images of the surgical cavity. The high-resolution, near-infrared light is directed at the tissue, allowing for the visualization of microscopic features. The surgeon monitors the images in real-time to assess the tissue structure and identify any areas of concern.
• Analysis of Images As images are obtained, the surgical team analyzes the data to differentiate between normal and abnormal tissue characteristics. This analysis aids in making immediate surgical decisions regarding tissue removal and margin assessment.
• Documentation of Findings After the imaging is completed, the findings are documented, which may include notes on the quality of the images obtained and any significant observations made during the procedure.

3. Post-Procedure

Following the optical coherence tomography procedure, the surgical team will continue to monitor the patient for any immediate post-operative complications. The results from the OCT imaging will be integrated into the overall surgical report, and the physician will provide a detailed interpretation of the findings. This interpretation is essential for guiding further treatment decisions and ensuring comprehensive patient care. Additionally, the surgical site will be assessed for healing, and follow-up appointments will be scheduled to monitor the patient's recovery and any further interventions that may be necessary.