J3396 Injection, verteporfin, 0.1 mg

Name of the Procedure:

Injection, verteporfin, 0.1 mg (HCPCS Code: J3396)
Common Names: Visudyne Injection, Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) with Verteporfin
Technical/Medical Term: Verteporfin Intravenous Injection

Summary

Verteporfin injection is a medical procedure used to treat specific eye conditions. It involves injecting a light-sensitive medication called verteporfin into the bloodstream, which is then activated by a light to target abnormal blood vessels in the eye.

Purpose

Verteporfin injection is primarily used to treat:

• Wet Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD)
• Pathologic Myopia
• Central Serous Chorioretinopathy

The goal of this procedure is to slow or stop the growth of abnormal blood vessels in the retina, thereby preventing vision loss.

Indications

• Presence of neovascular (wet) AMD
• Symptoms like blurred vision, a dark or empty area in central vision
• Diagnosed with pathologic myopia
• Persistent central serous chorioretinopathy

Preparation

• Fasting is not required.
• Discuss current medications with the doctor; certain medications may need to be adjusted.
• Eye examination and imaging tests such as Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) or Fluorescein Angiography may be required beforehand.

Procedure Description

1. Verteporfin is injected into a vein in the arm.
2. The drug circulates through the bloodstream and collects in abnormal blood vessels in the eye.
3. The doctor directs a low-power, non-thermal light from a laser onto the retina.
4. The light activates the verteporfin, resulting in the closure of abnormal blood vessels.

Tools/Technology Used:

• Intravenous administration set
• Non-thermal laser device

Anesthesia/Sedation:

• Typically, no anesthesia or sedation is required.

Duration

The procedure usually takes about 20-30 minutes.

Setting

• Outpatient clinic
• Hospital ophthalmology department

Personnel

• Ophthalmologist or retina specialist
• Nursing staff

Risks and Complications

Common Risks:

• Eye pain or discomfort
• Temporary vision changes
• Injection site reactions (e.g., bruising, pain)

Rare Complications:

• Severe vision loss
• Retinal detachment
• Allergic reactions to the medication

Benefits

• Slows or halts vision loss
• Stabilizes or improves vision in some patients Benefits may be realized within a few days to weeks after the procedure.

Recovery

• Avoid direct sunlight and bright indoor lights for 48 hours post-procedure due to photosensitivity.
• Follow-up visit typically scheduled within a week.
• Normal activities can usually be resumed immediately.

Alternatives

• Anti-VEGF injections (e.g., ranibizumab, aflibercept)

  • Pros: Often more effective, fewer light sensitivity precautions
  • Cons: Requires more frequent treatments

• Laser photocoagulation

  • Pros: Longer-lasting results
  • Cons: Higher risk of permanent vision damage

Patient Experience

• During the procedure, patients may feel a mild sting when the injection is administered.
• The light activation process is painless.
• Post-procedure, there may be some temporary blurring of vision and sensitivity to light.
• Pain management is typically not required, but pain relief measures can be taken if necessary.