CPT® Code 70559

Magnetic resonance (eg, proton) imaging, brain (including brain stem and skull base), during open intracranial procedure (eg, to assess for residual tumor or residual vascular malformation); without contrast material(s), followed by contrast material(s) and further sequences

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a sophisticated imaging technique utilized to visualize the internal structures of the body, particularly the brain, without the use of ionizing radiation. In the context of CPT® Code 70559, this procedure is specifically performed during open intracranial surgeries. The MRI process leverages the magnetic properties of hydrogen atoms present in the body. When a patient is positioned on a motorized table within a large MRI scanner, a powerful magnetic field is generated, causing the hydrogen atoms to align. Subsequently, radiowaves are transmitted, prompting the protons in various tissues to emit radiofrequency signals. These signals are captured and processed by a computer, resulting in high-resolution, three-dimensional images of the brain. The intraoperative MRI is conducted in a specialized operative imaging suite equipped with an MRI scanner, allowing neurosurgeons to obtain real-time images of the brain during surgery. This capability is crucial for assessing the status of brain tumors, determining whether they have been completely excised, and assisting in the placement of deep brain neurostimulator systems. The integration of MRI during surgical procedures significantly enhances the precision of the operation, minimizing the risk of damaging adjacent brain structures while accessing and removing tumors or placing neurostimulators for conditions such as Parkinson's disease, epilepsy, dystonia, and essential tremor. Furthermore, intraoperative MRI plays a vital role in confirming the successful removal of brain lesions, vascular malformations, or pituitary tumors, thereby contributing to improved surgical outcomes.