Infection of a vascular graft: what and how to amend it?

Using synthetic material for vascular surgery has been reported since the early 1950s, and vascular graft or endograft infection (VGEI) is the most serious complication of reconstructive vascular surgery and has been associated with high mortality and morbidity. VGEI diagnostics include exhaustive clinical evaluation, laboratory results (C-reactive protein, microbiological identification) and imaging modalities (mainly computed tomography angiography). Gold-standard treatments include antimicrobial therapy and total removal with extraanatomical reconstruction, although in situ reconstruction has become widespread. Follow-up is mandatory, including clinical assessment and imaging workup.