CPT code 35331 denotes an open surgical removal of thrombus and atherosclerotic plaque from the abdominal aorta. This procedure is clinically significant for patients with large-vessel aortoiliac occlusive disease or acute aortic thrombosis, where restoration of aortic patency can be limb- and life-saving. Nationally, coding and reimbursement for major vascular procedures affect hospital resource utilization, surgical quality measurement, and care pathways for complex vascular disease.

This publication covers payment and policy perspectives for major national payers including Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find an overview of how 35331 is defined clinically and operationally, compare payer coverage considerations, and review common billing and documentation issues that influence claim adjudication. The report also summarizes relevant clinical context for appropriate use and expected settings of care. Where payer-specific benchmark data or policy updates are not present in the input, the text notes that Data not available in the input.