Background. We reviewed our experience managing patients with thoracic aort
ic graft infections to evaluate their clinical characteristics and outcomes
of treatment.
Methods. Records of 20 consecutive patients with thoracic aortic graft infe
ctions managed over a 7 year period were retrospectively reviewed. Current
follow-up status was obtained for all survivors.
Results. Nineteen patients (95%) underwent surgical treatment. Graft excisi
on and in situ replacement were performed using Dacron grafts (10/19, 53%)
or cryopreserved homografts (5/19, 26%). Three pseudoaneurysms were managed
by debridement and primary repair. Although 30 day postoperative survival
was 89% (17/19), in-hospital mortality occurred in 8 patients (42%). Infect
ed thoracoabdominal aortic grafts were universally fatal. Of 6 patients wit
h infected composite valve grafts, both patients who received new composite
valve grafts died and all 4 who received homografts survived (p 0.067).
Conclusions. infections involving thoracic aortic grafts continue to carry
a high mortality rate, especially in patients with polymicrobial infections
, thoracoabdominal aortic graft infections, and composite valve graft infec
tions. Use of homografts in the latter situation may improve outcome. (C) 1
999 by The Society of Thoracic Surgeons.