Autogenous reconstruction is one option available for patients with aortic
graft infection or mycotic aneurysms. We reviewed our recent institutional
experience with all patients undergoing aortic reconstruction using autolog
ous superficial femoral vein (SFV). Between February 1995 and November 1997
, eight patients (five with prosthetic aortic graft infection and three wit
h mycotic aneurysms, including one ruptured mycotic aneurysm) underwent sin
gle-stage aortic reconstruction using autologous SFV. Therapy for graft inf
ection included graft excision and replacement with aortobifemoral or aorto
femoral (with subsequent cross femoral) grafts fashioned from the SFV. The
two patients undergoing elective repair of mycotic aneurysms were treated w
ith extensive SFV patches, and the patient with a ruptured mycotic aneurysm
underwent SFV tube grafting. Autogenous reconstruction of the aorta using
the SFV in infected fields shows promise for salvage of life and limb durin
g early experiences and short-term follow-up. Morbidity and mortality rates
compare favorably with those from existing series, reconstruction is anato
mic, and reinfection potential is low. Long-term follow-up and more extensi
ve experience with this technique are needed to establish its role relative
to other conventional methods.