Improved results with conventional management of infrarenal aortic infection.

PURPOSE: Interest in alternative methods, such as autogenous vein grafts and aortic allografts, for the management of infrarenal aortic infection (IRAI) has been stimulated by the historically disappointing results with conventional surgical management. Recently, there have been dramatic improvements in the results of axillofemoral bypass grafting (AXFB) followed by excision of the IRAI that have gone relatively unrecognized. The purpose of this report is the presentation of modern-day results in the treatment of IRAI with conventional surgical methods. METHODS: From January 1, 1983, through June 30, 1998, patients with IRAI underwent treatment with AXFB and complete excision of the IRAI. The patients were followed for survival, limb salvage, and AXFB graft patency. The results were tabulated with life-table methods. RESULTS: During the 15-year study period, 60 patients (51 men, nine women; mean age, 68 years) underwent treatment for IRAI (50 graft infections, including 16 graft-enteric fistulae, and 10 primary aortic infections). The mean follow-up period was 41 months. The perioperative mortality rate was 13% (12% for graft infection, and 20% for primary infection). The overall 2-year and 5-year survival rates were 67% and 47%, respectively. The limb salvage rates at 2 and 5 years were 93% and 82%, respectively. The 5-year primary AXFB graft patency rate was 73%. CONCLUSION: These results show an improvement with the conventional management of IRAI equal or superior to those results reported with alternative methods, including femoral vein grafts or aortic allografts. These results should be regarded as the modern standard with which alternative therapies can be compared.     

The management of the infected aortic prosthesis: A current decade of experience

Purpose: Newer approaches to the patient with an infected aortic graft are available. We reviewed a recent 10-year experience with a more traditional approach to evaluate its outcome in the 1990s.Methods: From January 1983 to January 1993, 27 patients with an aortic graft infection were treated at our institution. There were 18 paraprosthetic infections, eight graft enteric erosions, and one aortoduodenal fistula. The involved bypasses included 20 aortofemoral (74%), five aortoiliac (18%), and two aortic tube grafts (8%). Nineteen aortic replacements were done originally for aneurysmal disease (70%). We reviewed the outcome of each patient treated as it related to the method of management. The therapy for graft infection consisted of aortic graft removal and axillofemoral bypass in 20 patients (74%), treatment by an in situ method in four patients (15%), excision of an aortofemoral limb and extraanatomic bypass in two patients (7%), and extraanatomic bypass alone in one patient (4%). In the group treated by graft removal and extraanatomic bypass, four patients (20%) had staged operations (extraanatomic bypass followed by interval aortic graft removal), nine (45%) had single operations with extraanatomic bypass preceding graft removal, and seven (35%) had single operations with graft removal preceding extraanatomic bypass.Results: The 30-day operative mortality rate was 3.7%. There were no instances of aortic stump blowout. The 3-year primary patency rate for axillofemoral bypass limbs was 80.2%, and the secondary patency rate was 87.4%. No limbs were lost as a result of ischemic complications. There was one late amputation for an unrelated problem.Conclusions: The results of alternate approaches to the management of patients with infected aortic grafts were equivalent both in terms of perioperative mortality and morbidity rates in this group of patients. Complete excision of the aortic graft with axillofemoral bypass provided a satisfactory long-term outcome and remains the standard with which other approaches must be compared. (J VASC SURG 1994;19:844-50.)     

Long-term results following surgical management of aortic graft infection

Between January 1970 and June 1988, a total of 45 patients with aortic prosthetic graft infection underwent removal of the infected aortic prosthesis. In addition, 36 of these patients also underwent revascularization via an extra-anatomic bypass. We analyzed the early and long-term results with respect to survival, limb salvage, freedom from infection, and extra-anatomic graft patency. The 30-day mortality was 24% (11/45), and the amputation rate was 11% (8/73). During a mean follow-up of 36 months (range, 2 to 144 months), 80% (24/30) of the patients remained free of infection and are considered cured. Infection in the extra-anatomic bypass graft was the most common cause of recurrent sepsis and the leading cause of late amputations (four of seven). By life-table methods, 1-year survival was 63% and 5-year survival was 49%. Limb salvage rates at 1 and 5 years were 79% and 66%, respectively. The primary patency rate of extra-anatomic bypass was 43% at 3 years, with the secondary patency rate improved to 65%. These early and late results are in marked contrast to the natural history of untreated aortic graft infection. Nonetheless, a perioperative mortality rate of 24%, a 5-year limb loss rate of 33%, and 3-year graft thrombosis rate of 35% are testimony to the serious nature of aortic graft infection and the need to develop better methods to prevent this complication.     

Axillofemoral bypass. A 2-decade experience reviewed

A retrospective study of axillofemoral bypass performed at Groote Schuur Hospital over a period of 2 decades was undertaken to analyse the results and to re-examine current criteria for patient selection. During this period 109 patients underwent surgery. The primary indication was critical ischaemia (in 88% of cases). Operative mortality was 6,4%. Graft thrombosis and sepsis were identified as the major reasons for graft failure. Overall graft patency at 3 years was 43% and at 5 years 30%. Successful graft thrombectomy improved the overall cumulative patency rate at 5 years to 43%, and patient survival in the same period was 56%. Modern advances in the assessment of anaesthetic risk together with improved postoperative intensive care have allowed more patients who in the past would have been considered candidates for axillofemoral bypass to undergo direct aortic reconstruction. While the results of axillofemoral bypass are inferior to those of aortic grafts, the technique remains a valuable method of limb salvage for the poor-risk patient and a life-saving treatment for aortic graft sepsis.     

Axillo-femoral bypass: indications and results]

Axillofemoral bypass grafting is an accepted method for the treatment of vascular insufficiency of the lower limb. It is especially useful in high risk patients whose conditions preclude aortofemoral bypass grafting. The goal of our study is to evaluate whether the benefit of this operation outweigh the potential risks in the age group "sixty-plus". We performed 23 axillofemoral bypass grafting procedures (axillofemoral in 20, axillobifemoral in 3 cases) mainly be mean of 8 mm Dacrom prosthesis. The 30-day operative mortality rate was 8.7% and the cumulative 5-year patient survival rate was 52.2%. Overall the 1- and 5-year life table patency rate were 80% and 64%, respectively. The cumulative limb salvage was 90% and 72% at 1 and 5 years. We obtained an average reduction in Fontaine classification of 2 stages in the first year and 1.3 stages after 5 years. The comparison of the cumulative survival rate with the limb salvage rate indicates that advanced age should not be considered a contraindication to performing an axillofemoral bypass graft. The reduction in Fontaine stage means a remarkable improvement in quality of life.     

Influence of Patient Characteristics and Treatment Options on Outcome of Patients with Prosthetic Aortic Graft Infection

This study was undertaken to determine the influence of patient characteristics and treatment options on survival and limb loss after treatment of prosthetic aortic graft infection. Fifty-three patients treated for prosthetic aortic graft infection were reviewed. Twenty-three presented with groin infection, 12 with sepsis, 10 with aortoenteric fistula, 4 with limb ischemia, and 4 with pseudoaneurysm. Treatment included staged extraanatomic bypass (EAB) plus graft excision in 23 patients, simultaneous EAB and graft excision in 18, in situ graft replacement in 5, and local therapy only in 7. Axillofemoral bypass was done for revascularization in 53 limbs and axillopopliteal bypass in 16 limbs. The results of this study showed that morbidity and mortality of prosthetic aortic graft infection is influenced by the presentation and type of treatment of the infected graft. Staged axillofemoral bypass (when possible) plus graft excision appears to be associated with acceptable outcome (survival with limb salvage in 74%).     

An algorithm for the surgical management of chronic abdominal aortic occlusion and occluded aortofemoral grafts.

An algorithm for the surgical management of chronic abdominal aortic occlusion is presented based upon experience of treating 60 consecutive patients. Of 33 patients with juxtarenal aortic occlusion, 17 underwent aortofemoral bypass (AFB), 10 descending thoracic aortofemoral (DTAF), 5 axillofemoral (AxF) bypass, and 1 ascending thoracic aortofemoral bypass. Of 11 patients with mid or distal aortic occlusion, 8 underwent AFB, 2 DTAF and 1 AxF. Of 16 patients with aortic graft occlusion, 1 underwent AFB, 10 DTAF and 5 AxF. Acceptable risk patients were selected for AFB (26). DTAF (22) was frequently preferred for patients with occluded aortic grafts or other hazardous intraabdominal pathology. AxF (11) was used for patients with severe cardiopulmonary risk, limited life expectancy from malignancy, or when emergency procedures were required for salvage of severely ischemic limbs in debilitated patients with chronic aortic occlusion. In the AFB, DTAF and AxF groups the perioperative mortality was 8%, 5% and 36% respectively, the late mortality was 15%, 36% and 45%, and the 5-year primary cumulative graft patency was 92%, 89% and 15%.     

Long-term results of cryopreserved arterial allograft reconstruction in infected prosthetic grafts and mycotic aneurysms of the abdominal aorta.

PURPOSE: This prospective, observational study determined the long-term outcome in patients with abdominal aortic infection (primary or prosthetic graft) who were treated with simultaneous aortic/graft excision and cryopreserved arterial allograft reconstruction. METHODS: From April 1992 to March 2000, patients with abdominal aortic infection underwent complete or partial excision of the infected aorta/prosthetic graft and cryopreserved arterial allograft reconstruction. Arterial allografts were harvested from multiple organ donors and cryopreserved at -80 degrees C without rate-controlled freezing. The patients were observed for survival, limb salvage, persistence and/or recurrence of infection, and allograft patency. The results were calculated with life-table methods. RESULTS: During the 8-year study period, 28 consecutive patients (27 men, 1 woman; mean age, 64 years) underwent treatment for abdominal aortic infection (23 graft infections, including 7 graft-enteric fistulas and 5 primary aortic infections). Allograft reconstruction was performed as an emergency procedure in 13 patients (46%). The mean follow-up period was 35.4 months (range, 6-101 months). The overall treatment-related mortality rate was 17.8% (17% for graft infection, 20% for primary aortic infection). The overall 3-year survival was 67%. There was no early or late amputation. There was no persistent or recurrent infection, and none of the patients received long-term (> 3 months) antibiotic therapy. Reoperation for allograft revision, excision, or replacement was necessary in four patients (17%) who were available for examination, with no reoperative perioperative death. The 3-year primary and secondary allograft patency rates were 81% and 96%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Our experience with cryopreserved arterial allograft in the management of abdominal aortic infection suggests that this technique seems to be a useful option for treating one of the most dreaded vascular complications.     

The risk of axillofemoral bypass grafting for acute vascular occlusion

The hypothesis of the present study is that axillofemoral bypass grafting for acute vascular occlusion has results significantly inferior to an elective procedure. We reviewed 53 patients undergoing primary axillofemoral bypass grafting at the University of Virginia from 1984 to 1989. We found that patients who were admitted with acute vascular occlusion had a higher incidence of perioperative complications (63% vs 26%, p = 0.001), perioperative mortality (26% vs 3%, p less than 0.05), lower graft patency at 1 year (60% vs 90%, p less than 0.05), lower rate of freedom from reoperation in first year (50% vs 82%, p less than 0.01), and lower rates of limb salvage (76% vs 94%, p less than 0.05) than patients undergoing axillofemoral bypass grafting for chronic symptoms or conditions. These two groups did not differ in any of the other risk factors or perioperative characteristics examined. We conclude axillofemoral bypass grafting performed for indications other than acute vascular occlusion is associated with acceptable morbidity, mortality, graft patency, and limb salvage rates.     

Serial noninvasive studies do not herald postoperative failure of femoropopliteal or femorotibial bypass grafts.

We performed a 5-year retrospective case-control study of 232 patients undergoing femoropopliteal (n = 188) or femorotibial (n = 44) bypass to determine if serial noninvasive studies herald postoperative graft failure. We correlated serial ankle/arm pressure indices (API) with graft patency. An interval drop in API of greater than or equal to 0.20 was considered hemodynamically significant, but interventional therapy was carried out only for clinically symptomatic graft failure and an API less than 0.20 above the preoperative value. The cumulative 5-year limb salvage rate was 82% and the patient survival was 63%. A significant drop in API did not correlate with cumulative 5-year graft patency. The 5-year cumulative primary graft patency rates were 60% and 62% in patients with stable and interval drops in API, respectively (Z = 0.15, p = N.S.) These results suggest that a significant drop in postoperative API does not predict patients with impending femoropopliteal or femorotibial graft failure. We believe that routine noninvasive surveillance and prophylactic intervention on detected asymptomatic lesions in leg bypass grafts may not be justified.     

Long-term outcome after treatment of aortic graft infection with staged extra-anatomic bypass grafting and aortic graft removal

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine long-term outcome in patients with infected prosthetic aortic grafts who were treated with extra-anatomic bypass grafting and aortic graft removal. METHODS: Between January 1989 and July 1999, 36 patients were treated for aortic graft infection with extra-anatomic bypass grafting and aortic graft removal. Extra-anatomic bypass graft types were axillofemoral femoral (5), axillofemoral (26; bilateral in 20), axillopopliteal (3; bilateral in 1) and axillofemoral/axillopopliteal (2). The mean follow-up was 32.3 +/- 4. 8 months. RESULTS: Four patients (11%) died in the postoperative period, and two patients died during follow-up as a direct consequence of extra-anatomic bypass grafting and aortic graft removal (one died 7 months after extra-anatomic bypass graft failure, one died 36 months after aortic stump disruption). One additional patient died 72 months after failure of a subsequent aortic reconstruction, so that the overall treatment-related mortality was 19%, whereas overall survival by means of life table analysis was 56% at 5 years. No amputations were required in the postoperative period, but four patients (11%) required amputation during follow-up. Twelve patients (35%) had extra-anatomic bypass graft failure during follow-up, and six patients underwent secondary aortic reconstruction (thoracobifemoral [2], iliofemoral [2], femorofemoral [2]). However, with the exclusion of patients undergoing axillopopliteal grafts (primary patency 0% at 7 months), only seven patients (25%) had extra-anatomic bypass graft failure, and only two patients required amputation (one after extra-anatomic bypass graft removal for infection, one after failure of a secondary aortic reconstruction). Furthermore, primary and secondary patency rates by means of life table analysis were 75% and 100% at 41 months for axillofemoral femoral grafts and 64% and 100% at 60 months for axillofemoral grafts. Only one patient required extra-anatomic bypass graft removal for recurrent infection, and only one late aortic stump disruption occurred. CONCLUSIONS: Staged extra-anatomic bypass grafting (with axillofemoral bypass graft) and aortic graft removal for treatment of aortic graft infection are associated with acceptable early and long-term outcomes and should remain a primary approach in selected patients with this grave problem.     

Limb salvage surgery in end stage renal disease: is it worthwhile?

The role of limb salvage surgery in patients with end stage renal disease (ESRD) is controversial. In view of this debate, we reviewed our experience with 54 primary and 15 secondary revascularizations for limb salvage in patients with ESRD over the past decade. Thirty-seven patients required dialysis and 10 had functioning renal transplants. Severe limb threatening ischemia was the indication for all revascularizations. The 2-year cumulative secondary graft patency rate was 56.2% with an associated limb salvage rate of 71.4%. There was no significant difference in graft patency or limb salvage rates between patients requiring dialysis and those with functioning renal allografts (p = 0.5). The 30-day operative mortality for the 99 surgical procedures (69 arterial bypasses and 30 additional operations) was 13% and the 2-year patient survival was 45.6%. Six of the 15 amputations were performed despite a patent graft on limbs which had extensive infection and gangrene. We conclude that limb salvage surgery should only be undertaken with recognition of these risks in patients with ESRD or functioning renal transplants. Surgery should be performed before gangrene and infection become extensive. Patients with unrelenting infection or mid-forefoot gangrene should be considered for primary amputation.     

Axillopopliteal bypass grafting: indications, late results, and determinants of long-term patency

In the last 12 years we have performed 55 axillopopliteal bypass graftings with 6 mm polytetrafluoroethylene grafts for limb salvage in 50 patients who were at high risk for limb loss. Indications for this procedure were (1) severe atherosclerotic disease of the common, superficial, and deep femoral arteries (33 cases); (2) failed aortofemoral bypass grafting with sufficient fibrosis or disease progression in the deep femoral artery (five cases); (3) insufficient hemodynamic and clinical improvement after axillofemoral bypass grafting (10 cases); and (4) sepsis in the groin from a previously infected graft (seven cases). The 30-day operative mortality rate was 8%, and the 5-year cumulative patient survival rate was 40%. Overall 1-, 3-, and 5-year cumulative primary graft patency rates were 58%, 45%, and 40%, respectively. Comparable limb salvage rates were 83%, 68%, and 58%. Repeat operations increased 5-year patency rates from 40% to 59% (p less than 0.05). Three-year patency rate for grafts placed in the presence of poor angiographic runoff in one vessel was 62% and for good angiographic runoff (two to three vessels) it was 57% (NS). Grafts to the above-knee popliteal artery had a patency rate of 67% at 3 years, whereas for grafts that crossed the knee joint it was 51% (NS). Three-year patency rate for 24 straight axillopopliteal grafts was 42%, and for 31 sequential axillofemoral-popliteal grafts it was 74% (p less than 0.05). These results show that axillopopliteal bypass grafting is justified when other standard operations are not possible in patients who are in imminent danger of limb loss, and that every possible effort should be made to use the common or deep femoral artery as part of a sequential axillofemoral-popliteal procedure.     

Experience with cryopreserved arterial allografts in the treatment of prosthetic graft infections

The authors present a retrospective study on 30 patients with prosthetic graft infection. Included are 25 patients with aortic graft infection, three with infection of a femorodistal bypass and two with infected axillofemoral grafts. There were 23 isolated primary prosthetic graft infections and seven aorto-enteric fistulas. Treatment consisted of graft excision and replacement with cryopreserved arterial homografts, harvested from brain-death multi-organ donors. The in situ technique was used in 27 cases. Eight patients died postoperatively and two deaths were from allograft related complications. The operative mortality rate was 11% for isolated aortic graft sepsis and the early limb salvage rate was 100%. Persistent or recurrent infection was noted in two cases. The mean follow-up of the series was 24.5 months and occlusive complications occurred in five patients (23%), which resulted in two major amputations. Serial CT scans showed abnormalities in six of the 22 survivors, all of them related to the aortic segment of the allograft. It is concluded that in situ reconstruction with cryopreserved arterial allografts represents an acceptable alternative, especially in the treatment of isolated aortic graft sepsis. Continued follow-up towards late deterioration and/or occlusive complications remains mandatory.     

Use of rifampin-soaked gelatin-sealed polyester grafts for in situ treatment of primary aortic and vascular prosthetic infections

BACKGROUND: In situ treatment of artery/graft infection has distinct advantages compared to vessel excision and extra-anatomic bypass procedures. Based on animal studies of a rifampin-soaked, gelatin-impregnated polyester graft that demonstrated prolonged in vivo antibacterial activity, this antibiotic-bonded graft was used selectively in patients for in situ treatment of low-grade Gram-positive prosthetic graft infections or primary aortic infections not amenable to excision and ex situ bypass. METHODS: In a 5-year period (1995-1999), 27 patients with prosthetic graft infection (aortofemoral, n = 18, femorofemoral, n = 3; axillofemoral, n = 1) or primary aortic infection (mycotic aneurysm, n = 3; infected AAA, n = 2) underwent excision of the infected vessel and in situ replacement with a rifampin soaked (45-60 mg/ml for 15 min) gelatin-impregnated polyester graft. All prosthetic graft infections were low grade in nature, caused Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus epidermidis, 16; Staphylococcus aureus, 5; Streptococcus, 1), and were treated electively. Patients with mycotic aortic aneurysm presented with sepsis and underwent urgent or emergent surgery. RESULTS: Two (8%) patients died-1 as a result of a ruptured Salmonella mycotic aortic aneurysm and the other from methicillin-resistant S. aureus infection following deep vein replacement of an in situ replaced femorofemoral graft. No amputations or late deaths as the result of vascular infection occurred in the 25 surviving patients. Two patients developed recurrent infection caused by a rifampin-resistant S. epidermidis in a replaced aortofemoral graft limb and were successfully treated with graft excision and in situ autogenous vein replacement. Eighteen patients remain alive and clinically free of infection after a mean follow-up interval of 17 months. CONCLUSIONS: In situ replacement treatment using a rifampin-bonded prosthetic graft for low-grade staphylococcal arterial infection was safe, durable, and associated with eradication of clinical signs of infection. Failure of this therapy was the result of virulent and antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains.     

Axillopopliteal bypass for limb salvage.

Forty-one axillopopliteal bypass grafts have been placed in 30 patients for limb salvage in the past 12 years. The mean patient age was 65.6 years; 8 were women; 19 smoked; and six had diabetes. Sixteen grafts were straight axillopopliteal bypass grafts, and 25 were sequential axillopopliteal bypass grafts. Cumulative life-table primary patency rates at 1, 2, and 3 years were 70%, 56%, and 43%, respectively; secondary patency rates were 73%, 57%, and 50%, respectively. Corresponding limb salvage rates were 86%, 69%, and 69%, respectively. Ringed polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) graft patency at 3 years was 61% versus 40% for unsupported PTFE grafts (p = 0.35). Ringed PTFE axillofemoral grafts with sequential femoropopliteal saphenous vein grafts had a 3-year patency of 67%. Graft patency was restored in 25% of occluded grafts by thrombectomy and in 80% of occluded grafts by thrombectomy with graft revision (p = 0.21). Cumulative 3-year patient survival was 48%. The 30-day operative mortality rate was 20%; patients operated on for graft infection had a 30-day operative mortality rate of 36%. The data support the use of axillopopliteal bypass for limb salvage when standard revascularization techniques are contraindicated. Long-term patency is enhanced by use of externally supported PTFE and sequential femoropopliteal saphenous vein.     

Reoperation in congenital aortic stenosis

Over a 22-year period, 81 patients underwent initial operations for critical aortic stenosis at our institution. Their ages ranged from 3 days to 20 years (mean, 7.3 +/- 5.9 years). Fourteen (17%) were infants less than 1 year old. Three children died perioperatively (3.7%). We have followed the survivors and 3 children who underwent initial operations elsewhere for a mean of 9.0 +/- 6.8 years (range, 2 to 23 years). To the present, 27 patients have undergone one reoperation (24 of our initial survivors) at a mean interval of 7.3 years, with 2 perioperative deaths. Ten of these patients have required a second reoperation at a mean interval of 3.7 years, with 2 deaths perioperatively. There were 3 late cardiac deaths after the initial procedure and 1 after a third operation. Actuarial reoperation-free survival is 56.7% at 10 years. While overall survival is 88.6% at 10 years, we find a significantly poorer survival among those patients with valvular stenosis compared with those with subvalvular lesions (p = 0.03). We believe that for children with all levels of aortic stenosis, good functional results and survival can best be obtained by follow-up, recatheterization, and reoperation.     

The results of in situ prosthetic replacement for infected aortic grafts.

BACKGROUND: Treatment of aortic graft infection with graft excision and axillofemoral bypass may carry an increased risk of limb loss, aortic stump blowout, and pelvic ischemia. A review of patients with aortic graft infection treated with in situ prosthetic graft replacement was undertaken to determine if mortality, limb loss, and reinfection rates were improved with this technique. METHODS: The clinical data of 25 patients, 19 males and 6 females, with a mean age of 68 years (range 35 to 83), with aortic graft infection, treated between January 1, 1989, and December 31, 1998, by in situ prosthetic graft replacement were reviewed. Follow-up was complete in the 23 surviving patients and averaged 36 months (range 4 to 103). RESULTS: Twenty aortofemoral, 3 aortoiliac, and 2 straight aortic graft infections were treated with excision and in situ replacement with standard polyester grafts in 16 patients (64%), or with rifampin-soaked collagen or gelatin-impregnated polyester grafts in 9 patients (36%). Fifteen patients (60%) had aortic graft enteric fistulas, 8 patients (32%) had abscesses or draining sinuses, and 2 patients (8%) had bacterial biofilm infections. Thirty-day mortality was 8% (2 of 25). There were no early graft occlusions or amputations. There was one late graft occlusion. There were no late amputations. The reinfection rate was 22% (5 grafts). All reinfections occurred in patients operated upon for occlusive disease. Only one reinfection occurred in the rifampin-soaked graft group (11% versus 29%, P = NS). Reinfection tended to be lower in patients with aortoenteric fistulas and without abscess. Autogenous tissue coverage provided statistically significant protection against reinfection. There were no late deaths related to in situ graft infection. CONCLUSIONS: Patients treated with in situ graft replacement had an 8% mortality and 100% limb salvage rate. Reinfection rates were similar to those of extra-anatomic bypass, but a trend of lower reinfection rates with rifampin-impregnated grafts was apparent. Patients with aortoenteric fistula and without abscess appear to be well treated by the technique of in situ prosthetic grafting and autogenous tissue coverage.     

Evolution from axillofemoral to in situ prosthetic reconstruction for the treatment of aortic graft infections at a single center

OBJECTIVE: The primary purpose of this study was to analyze the clinical outcome in patients treated for aortic graft infections with in situ reconstruction (ISR). As a secondary aim, the outcomes were compared between patients who had similar clinical characteristics and extent of infection, needed total graft excision, and had either ISR or axillofemoral reconstruction (AXFR). METHODS: 117 consecutive patients treated for aortic graft infection over a 20 year period from January 1981 to December 2001 were identified. 52 patients had prosthetic ISR, 49 had AXFR, and 16 had other reconstructions. The ISR patients treated with total (n = 35) or partial (n = 17) graft excision comprised the primary analysis. A second analysis was done between 34 ISR and 43 AXFR patients (non-concurrent groups), as stated above. Primary outcome measures were early and late procedure-related death, primary graft patency and limb loss. Secondary outcomes were operative morbidity, patient survival, and graft reinfection rates. RESULTS: There were 40 males and 12 females with a mean age of 69 years treated with ISR. 43 patients had Rifampin-soaked grafts and 39 had omental flap or other autogenous coverage. Operative morbidity occurred in 23 patients (44%). There were 4 early and no late procedure-related deaths after a median follow up of 3.4 years (range, 2 months to 9.6 years). Primary patency and limb salvage rates at 5 years were 89% and 100%, respectively. Graft reinfection occurred in 6 patients (11.5%) and was not associated with procedure-related death. In the comparative analysis, the procedure-related death rate for patients treated with ISR was not different than those treated with AXFR (9% versus 23%; P = 0.11). There was a significant improvement in primary patency between ISR and AXFR at 5 years (89% versus 48%; P = .01). Limb salvage was 100% for ISR and 89% for AXFR at 5 years (P = .06). The incidence of graft reinfection was similar in both groups: 11% for ISR and 17% for AXFR (P = .28). Major complications or procedure-related deaths occurred in 12 patients after ISR (30%) and 26 patients (60%) after AXFR (P < .04). CONCLUSION: ISR is a safe and effective alternative in the treatment of select patients with aortic graft infection. Graft reinfection occurred in 11.5% of the patients. The graft patency and limb salvages rates are excellent.     

Lessons learned from the long-term follow-up of a first-generation aortic stent graft

OBJECTIVE: Endovascular repair (EVR) of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is being performed with increasing frequency worldwide. No studies have a complete follow-up of more than 4 years. Our study objective was to assess the long-term results and the durability of a first-generation stent graft with complete 7-year follow-up. METHODS: Between March 1994 and May 1995, 23 consecutive patients underwent treatment with the Chuter stent graft at a single center. All patients underwent computed tomographic scan before discharge, at 3 and 6 months, and annually thereafter. The data were prospectively collected on all patients. The median follow-up period was 72.5 months (range, 0.2 to 91 months). None of the patients were lost to follow-up. RESULTS: Among these 21 men and two women with a median age of 69 years (range, 52 to 85 years), 11 (47.8%) were at high risk. The 30-day technical success rate was 87%. Acute (30-day) complications were one graft deployment failure (4.3%) that necessitated an immediate conversion, 20 intraoperative graft limb kinks (87%), all of which needed additional Wallstent (Schneider, Minneapolis, Minn) placement, four renal failures (17.4%), one type Ia endoleak complicated with AAA rupture (4.3%), and three perioperative deaths (13%). Late complications were eight type I or II endoleaks (34.8%) after a mean delay of 23.9 months (range, 3 to 69 months), 13 proximal stent migrations (56.5%) after a mean delay of 29.6 months (range, 7 to 58 months), six graft limb thromboses (26.1%) after a mean delay of 38.7 months (range, 3 to 71 months), one AAA rupture (4.3%), and 11 deaths (47.8%), with five AAA-related deaths (21.7%). The 3-year, 5-year, and 7-year cumulative endoleak rates were 34%, 41%, and 49%, respectively; the cumulative migration rates were 66%, 75%, and 75%, respectively; and the cumulative open surgery rates were 30%, 50%, and 50%, respectively. At the same intervals, the cumulative survival rates for any death were 69%, 56%, and 49%, respectively; the cumulative survival rates for AAA-related deaths were 82%, 82%, and 73%, respectively; and the cumulative secondary success rates were 54%, 28%, and 28%, respectively. CONCLUSION: This studies emphasizes the need for close lifelong surveillance of AAAs treated with EVR. Despite the small population of this series, a long-term follow-up highlights that the first-generation homemade stent graft evaluated in this study failed to adequately protect the patient from AAA-related death and that most of the serious complications were related to a late failure of the aortic neck attachment. Better proximal fixation of the aortic stent graft is essential to improve the durability of EVR.