Stent graft infection and protrusion through the skin: clinical considerations and potential medico-legal ramifications

Semin Dial. 2010 Sep-Oct;23(5):540-2. doi: 10.1111/j.1525-139X.2010.00758.x. Epub 2010 Aug 13.

Abstract

Stent grafts have been used for a variety of arteriovenous access associated issues. This article presents three cases of stent graft infection and a case of protruded metal piece of the stent graft through the skin. All four required surgical treatment and three cases required a tunneled dialysis catheter to provide long-term dialysis therapy. This report highlights that stent graft problems can occur that may result in loss of the access. Additionally, strut protrusion can pose a medical hazard to those performing preparation and cannulation of the arteriovenous access.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Arm / blood supply
  • Arteriovenous Shunt, Surgical / adverse effects*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Prosthesis Failure
  • Prosthesis-Related Infections / microbiology*
  • Prosthesis-Related Infections / surgery*
  • Renal Dialysis*
  • Stents*