When a patient presents with an abdominal aneurysm, there is usually a graft repair procedure performed. This usually involves exposing the affected portion of the aorta with a large incision (via a transabdominal or retroperitoneal approach), temporarily occluding (stopping) the blood flow, opening the aneurysm, and inserting a tubular prosthesis. The wound technically remains open during this time and should be handled as an open repair. The medical billing code to use for this type of open procedures is 35081 (Direct repair of aneurysm, pseudoaneurysm, or excision [partial or total] and graft insertion, with or without patch graft; for aneurysm, pseudoaneurysm, and associated occlusive disease, abdominal aorta) for repairs confined …