Vascular graft infections

Abstract

Purpose of review: This review provides a focus on infections of prosthetic vascular grafts used to treat peripheral arterial diseases.

Recent findings: The incidence of infections varies between 1 and 6%. Risk factors of infection are not well identified. Main causative pathogens are Gram-negative bacilli, Staphylococcus aureus, and coagulase-negative staphylococci, without clear differences according to location of graft and time of onset of infection. There is no consensual diagnostic criterion. The basic principles for management of graft infections have been known for many years. A surgical approach combining graft excision, complete debridement, and maintaining distal vascular flow is required. Antimicrobial therapy is always instituted to reduce sepsis and prevent secondary graft infection, but there are no evidence-based data to recommend any regimen. However, antibiotics should have bactericidal activity whatever the bacteria growth phase, reduce the microbial burden, penetrate within the biofilm, and prevent further biofilm formation. Mortality and morbidity from these infections remain significant.

Summary: A multidisciplinary approach with a limited number of reference centres, recruiting sufficient numbers of patients to perform controlled trials, and to provide expert recommendations, could be the best way to answer unresolved questions and improve the prognosis.