title: Vascular graft infections.
abstract: Prosthetic vascular grafting is a commonly performed procedure that is central to the management of arterial disease and renal failure. Though rare, vascular graft infections (VGI) are potentially devastating, and carry a high rate of mortality and amputation. Despite extensive research and clinical experience, VGI remain a daunting therapeutic challenge for surgeons and infectious disease specialists. This article reviews the pathogenesis of VGI, in particular the role of biofilms, as well as the current state of clinical management including diagnostic modalities, surgical options for treatment, antimicrobial therapy, and preventive measures.
authors.affiliation: Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Kentucky School of Medicine, University of Kentucky, 800 Rose Street, MN-672, Lexington, KY 40536, USA. myoun4@uky.edu
authors.forename: Michael H
authors.initials: MH
authors.lastname: Young
authors.forename: Gilbert R
authors.initials: GR
authors.lastname: Upchurch
authors.forename: Preeti N
authors.initials: PN
authors.lastname: Malani
mesh_terms: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001424:Bacterial Infections / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D001807:Blood Vessel Prosthesis / Q000009:adverse effects*; D019917:Blood Vessel Prosthesis Implantation / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D012307:Risk Factors
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents