Fate of aortic graft removal.
Reoperation to remove an aortic graft was performed in 18 patients. The need for removal was infection in the majority. A changing flora was seen in aortic graft infection with gram-negative organisms predominating. Despite a standardized approach with total graft removal, aortic closure, and extraanatomic reconstruction, amputation and mortality rates remain unacceptably high. A new approach to this problem is needed, and further trials with autogenous reconstruction appear warranted.
D000368:Aged; D001011:Aorta / Q000601:surgery*; D001012:Aorta, Abdominal / Q000601:surgery; D001424:Bacterial Infections / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery; D001807:Blood Vessel Prosthesis / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000401:mortality; D005260:Female; D005263:Femoral Artery / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011379:Prognosis; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013927:Thrombosis / Q000601:surgery