Infected synthetic arterial grafts

Abstract

A retrospective study of 532 patients with synthetic arterial grafts was made. The results showed that when the distal anastomosis has to be made via the groin the incidence of infection is reduced by placing the anastomosis above the inguinal ligament. This reduction in incidence is highly significant (P<0 001). If for some reason anastomosis to the femoral artery is unavoidable it is suggested that the sartorius muscle should be detached from its origin and sutured to the inguinal ligament to cover the anastomosis. In addition the management of patients with infected grafts is discussed.