To continuously enhance the quality of surgical treatment, the National Health Insurance Administration (NHIA) has begun covering the use of a new medical device, surgical sealants, which were previously self-paid by patients, starting from May 1, 2025. The reimbursement applies to acute cardiovascular surgeries such as Type A acute aortic dissection repair and aortic root surgeries. It is estimated that approximately 1,400 patients per year will benefit from this policy, with the NHI providing around 27 million points in annual funding.

In the March 2025 meeting of the Joint Committee for the Formulation of the NHI Drug Reimbursement Items and Payment Standards (Medical Devices Section), representatives and clinical experts reached a consensus to include surgical sealants under full NHI reimbursement. Considering that this type of medical device is primarily used to seal bleeding areas during surgery and prevent blood leakage at anastomosis and suture sites—with broad clinical applications—but given the limited NHI resources, coverage will be prioritized for acute cardiovascular surgeries, such as Type A acute aortic dissection repair and aortic root surgery, with one unit allowed per procedure.

The reimbursement is set at 23,662 points for the 4 mL specification, with proportional adjustments for other sizes: 11,831 points for 2 mL, and 29,577 points for specifications above 5 mL.

It is also noted that the current reimbursement rates are higher than those in Japan, South Korea, and Australia.

The NHIA stated that surgical sealants, particularly in aortic surgeries, serve as an important adjunctive tool in cardiovascular surgical repair. They effectively reinforce suture sites and aortic anastomoses—such as areas affected by dissection, rupture, or aneurysms—and are considered clinically essential. Previously, these sealants are self-paid by patients.

The NHIA stated that, in order to safeguard the basic healthcare needs and health interests of the public, it will continue to advocate for sufficient NHI funding and strive to include new medical devices with evidence-based benefits and clinical necessity into the reimbursement system. The goal is to establish a more comprehensive coverage framework, reduce the financial burden on patients, and enhance both the value of healthcare and public health.