In-situ Revascularisation for Patients with Aortic Graft Infection: A Single Centre Experience with Silver Coated Polyester Grafts

Abstract Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate the early and mid term outcome of patients with aortic graft infection who underwent in-situ revascularisation with a silver coated prosthesis. Material From January 2000 to December 2006, 24 consecutive patients (22 male, 2 female) with mean age 67 years were prospectively entered in this study of aortic graft infection at our single centre. Infection was managed with either total ( n = 19) or partial ( n = 5) excision of the infected graft and in- situ reconstruction with a silver coated prosthesis, Inter Gard Silver (IGSG). Methods The primary endpoint was recurrence of infection. Secondary endpoints were early and late mortality, peri-operative morbidity, primary graft patency, major amputation rates and patient survival. Results Fourteen patients had a primary graft infection, however 10 of 24 patients had graft infection secondary to aorto digestive ( n = 9) or aorto urinary ( n = 1) tract fistulas. Bacteriological cultures were negative in 8 (33%) patients. Most organisms cultivated where virulent and the majority of graft infections were polymicrobial (71%). Silver grafts were placed emergently in 6 (25%) patients. Mean follow up 32.5 ± 31.0 months (range 2–78 months). Peri-operative morbidity and mortality were 46% and 21% respectively. Early interventions occurred in 6 (25%) patients and late secondary intervention were required in 3 (15.7%), caused by silver graft reinfection. The late mortality was 26%. Conclusion In-situ reconstruction with the silver graft confirms similarity with other modalities. The greatest advantage for the silver graft is its ease of use but the risk of reinfection remains significant.