Biosynthetic vascular graft: a valuable alternative to traditional replacement materials for treatment of prosthetic aortic graft infection?

Background and Aims: To report the experience of a tertiary vascular surgery center using Omniflow II (R) biosynthetic vascular grafts for treatment of prosthetic aortic graft infection. Materials and methods: Retrospective analysis of all patients with prosthetic graft infections who underwent in situ aortic reconstruction using Omniflow II (R) grafts or other conduits between March 2015 and May 2017. Early and late mortality, perioperative complications, and reinfection rate were analyzed. Results: Sixteen patients (14 males, median age 68.5, range 57-89) with prosthetic aortic graft infection were treated at our center. Eight patients received an Omniflow II (R) biosynthetic graft, two patients silver-triclosan coated grafts, three patients bovine pericardial tube grafts, and three patients composite bovine pericardial tube grafts with Omniflow II (R) graft extensions. Perioperative complications occurred in seven patients (43.8%). Early mortality rate was 18.7% (n = 3). In addition, four patients died during follow-up after a median of 11 months (range 0-34 months). We did not observe any reinfections. Bypass grafts were patent in all patients. No major limb amputations were performed during follow-up. Conclusion: Treatment of prosthetic aortic graft infection with Omniflow II (R) vascular grafts is feasible. Graft material seems to have an excellent resistance to infection and might be a valuable alternative to traditional replacement materials. Especially long-term durability has to be continuously monitored and documented.