Prevention and treatment of aortic graft infection

Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther. 2007 Apr;5(2):305-15. doi: 10.1586/14787210.5.2.305.

Abstract

Prosthetic vascular graft infection remains one of the most challenging surgical problems for vascular surgeons. This condition is classically associated with high morbidity and mortality rates. Accurate diagnosis of a vascular graft infection can typically be made based on a thorough history and physical examination; although, infrequently, an extensive radiological evaluation is necessary to establish the clinical finding. Complete graft excision and extra-anatomic bypass grafting remains a commonly accepted surgical treatment strategy. Recent clinical data have supported other treatment modalities, including the use of in situ antibiotic-impregnated graft replacement, in situ allograft replacement and in situ autologous graft replacement. This article will review the pathobiology of aortic graft infection, as well as methods to prevent a prosthetic graft infection. Furthermore, various surgical treatment modalities of aortic graft infection will be discussed.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / pharmacology
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
  • Aorta / microbiology
  • Aorta / transplantation*
  • Bacterial Infections / drug therapy
  • Bacterial Infections / etiology
  • Bacterial Infections / prevention & control*
  • Humans
  • Transplants* / adverse effects
  • Transplants* / microbiology
  • Vascular Surgical Procedures / adverse effects

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents