Biosynthetic Vascular Graft: A Valuable Alternative to Traditional Replacement Materials for Treatment of Prosthetic Aortic Graft Infection?

BACKGROUND AND AIMS:: To report the experience of a tertiary vascular surgery center using Omniflow II® biosynthetic vascular grafts for treatment of prosthetic aortic graft infection.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:: Retrospective analysis of all patients with prosthetic graft infections who underwent in situ aortic reconstruction using Omniflow II® grafts or other conduits between March 2015 and May 2017. Early and late mortality, perioperative complications, and reinfection rate were analyzed.

RESULTS:: Sixteen patients (14 males, median age 68.5, range 57-89) with prosthetic aortic graft infection were treated at our center. Eight patients received an Omniflow II® biosynthetic graft, two patients silver-triclosan coated grafts, three patients bovine pericardial tube grafts, and three patients composite bovine pericardial tube grafts with Omniflow II® graft extensions. Perioperative complications occurred in seven patients (43.8%). Early mortality rate was 18.7% (n = 3). In addition, four patients died during follow-up after a median of 11 months (range 0-34 months). We did not observe any reinfections. Bypass grafts were patent in all patients. No major limb amputations were performed during follow-up.

CONCLUSION:: Treatment of prosthetic aortic graft infection with Omniflow II® vascular grafts is feasible. Graft material seems to have an excellent resistance to infection and might be a valuable alternative to traditional replacement materials. Especially long-term durability has to be continuously monitored and documented.