Human Thrombin–Gelatin Matrix With Rifampin: Novel Technique for Treating Vascular Graft Infections

Abstract

Approximately 1% to 6% of prosthetic vascular grafts will be complicated by infections. However, the mortality rates range from 17% to 40%, and morbidity is also high, including reinfection rates reported at 18% and limb loss close to 11%. Early aggressive surgical management, including graft excision and wide wound debridement with extra-anatomic bypass creation is the reference standard. Graft preservation techniques have been increasingly used, with high cure rates. Muscle flap, coverage, and antibiotic-coated absorbable and nonabsorbable beads have been reported to provide high cure rates but, owing to the associated technical difficulties, with suboptimal graft salvage rates.