Coronary angioplasty
Here you'll find our current definition of the critical illness, additional condition or child specific condition we cover. We've also listed any previous definitions we may have had. With each new definition we've highlighted what's changed from the previous definition.
Current definition
December 2018 (ACC)
Coronary angioplasty – with specified treatment
The undergoing of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) to correct narrowing or blockages of the left main stem artery, or two or more main coronary arteries. PCI is defined as any therapeutic intra-arterial catheter procedure including balloon angioplasty and stenting.
The surgeries must have been carried out on the advice of a consultant cardiologist. Two coronary angioplasty procedures performed in different arteries at different times is covered.
For the purposes of this definition the main coronary arteries are:
- right coronary artery or its branches;
- left main stem artery or its branches;
- left anterior descending artery or its branches; and
- circumflex artery or its branches.
Changes from the previous definition
We've widened the definition to now cover any type of PCI treatment, not just a specified list.
Previous definitions
October 2017 (ACC)
Coronary angioplasty - with specified treatment
The undergoing of any of the following:
- balloon angioplasty;
- atherectomy;
- rotablation;
- laser treatment; or
- insertion of stents.
The above surgeries must have been carried out on the advice of a consultant cardiologist to treat coronary artery disease in two or more main coronary arteries or a single coronary lesion of the left main stem.
Two coronary angioplasty procedures performed in different arteries at different times is covered.
For the purposes of this definition the main coronary arteries are:
- right coronary artery or its branches;
- left main stem artery or its branches;
- left anterior descending artery or its branches; and
- circumflex artery or its branches.
Changes from the previous definition
We now cover:
Two coronary angioplasty procedures to different arteries at different times
A single coronary lesion of the left main stem.
October 2016 (ACC)
Coronary angioplasty – to 2 or more coronary arteries
The undergoing of any of the following:
- balloon angioplasty;
- atherectomy;
- rotablation;
- laser treatment; or
- insertion of stents.
The above surgeries must have been carried out on the advice of a consultant cardiologist to treat coronary artery disease in two or more main coronary arteries. The above surgery must be to treat at least 70 per cent diameter narrowing of the artery. If surgery is only performed on one main coronary artery there must be at least 70 per cent diameter narrowing in another main coronary artery. Multiple vessels must be treated at the same time or as part of a planned stage procedure within 60 days of the first surgery.
For the purposes of this definition main coronary arteries are:
- right coronary artery or its branches;
- left main stem artery or its branches;
- left anterior descending artery or its branches; and
- circumflex artery or its branches.