Prosthetic Vascular Graft Infection: A Multi-Center Review of Surgical Management

A multi-center retrospective review of major prosthetic graft infection outcomes was undertaken to determine graft preservation and limb salvage rates. The management of infected prosthetic vascular grafts continues to be controversial. The purpose of this study was to review the surgical management of major extracavitary prosthetic vascular graft infections and to correlate the outcomes on the basis of bacteriology and grade. The change in patient population seen by vascular surgeons and the recent emergence of more virulent bacterial strains should influence surgical management. Bacteriology and severity of infection based on grade must play a greater role in the selection criteria for graft salvage. Despite advancement in the understanding of these interactions and the emergence of new management algorithms, we are continuing to operate without a uniform standard in managing this difficult and rapidly evolving clinical problem.