Aortic surgery

Undergoing of surgery for disease of the aorta requiring excision and surgical replacement of any part of the diseased aorta with a graft. For the purposes of this definition, "aorta" means the thoracic and abdominal aorta, but not its branches.

The surgery must be determined to be medically necessary and performed by a specialist.

Exclusions

• A 30-day survival period applies, except for the Life with CI Advance product.
• No benefit will be payable under the definition of "aortic surgery" for:
  • angioplasty;
  • intra-arterial procedures, percutaneous trans-catheter procedures; or
  • non-surgical procedures.

This surgery is generally required following diagnosis of an aortic aneurysm (dilation of the aorta walls). Some of the risk factors related to this diagnosis include: high blood pressure and atheromatosis (fat deposits in the aortic wall).