Aortic Graft Infection

Aortic Graft Infection

  • Overview
  • Appointments
  • Symptoms
  • Diagnosis
  • Treatment
  • Locations
  • Doctors

    • What is aortic graft infection?

    One rare but potential complication of treatment of aortic aneurysms, dissection or artery blockages is infection of the graft’s synthetic material. Usually caused by staphylococcus bacteria, these infections can spread throughout the body leading to sepsis, organ failure, and amputations. Infected aortic grafts are life-threatening if left untreated.

    Causes

    Aortic graft infections can be caused by a number of factors, including:

    • Bacterial or fungal contamination during surgery
    • Bacterial spread from the bloodstream
    • Poor wound healing
    • A weakened immune system
    • Poor hygiene
    • Tobacco use
    • Obesity
    • Diabetes

    At the Frankel Cardiovascular Center you will receive expert follow up care and close monitoring to prevent complications such as aortic graft infection.

    Appointment Information

    To schedule an appointment to discuss arteriosclerotic aortic disease or any other cardiovascular condition, call us at 888-287-1082 or visit our Make a Cardiovascular Appointment page.

    What are the symptoms of aortic graft infection?

    Symptoms of an aortic graft infection can be vague and relatively nonspecific. They include:

    • Fever and/or chills
    • Chest, back or abdominal pain
    • Fatigue
    • Weight loss
    • Nausea or vomiting

    More serious symptoms may include:

    • Internal bleeding
    • Blood infection
    • False aneurysms

    How is aortic graft infection diagnosed?

    The diagnosis of an aortic graft infection typically involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests. These tests may include:

    • Blood tests to determine the presence of infection and identify the specific source.
    • Imaging tests such as CT scans, X-rays or MRI to visualize the graft and surrounding tissue.
    • Wound cultures to collect a sample of fluid or tissue from the graft site for laboratory analysis.
    • Endovascular ultrasound to examine the inside of the graft.

    In some cases, surgery may be necessary to obtain a definitive diagnosis and to allow for appropriate treatment. The diagnosis of an aortic graft infection requires a multidisciplinary approach, involving a team of healthcare professionals such as a cardiothoracic surgeon, infectious disease specialist, and radiologist.

    How is aortic graft infection treated?

    The treatment of an aortic graft infection typically involves a combination of antibiotics and surgical intervention. The specific treatment plan will depend on the type and severity of the infection, as well as your overall health.

    Some common treatments may include:

    • Antibiotics to clear the infection
    • Surgery to remove infected tissue and clean the infected area
    • In some cases, it may be necessary to remove the infected graft and replace it with a new one.

    In severe cases of aortic graft infection, treatment may also involve a combination of long-term antibiotics and close monitoring to ensure the infection is effectively controlled. The goal of treatment is to prevent the spread of infection, eliminate its cause, and preserve the function of the aortic graft.

    Locations
    • Cardiac Surgery Clinic | Frankel Cardiovascular Center 1425 E Ann St
      Floor 3 Reception C
      Ann Arbor, MI 48109-5856       Get Directions
    • Vascular Surgery Clinic | Frankel Cardiovascular Center 1425 E Ann St
      Floor 3 Reception B
      Ann Arbor, MI 48109-5856       Get Directions

    Doctors

     Search for a U-M Health doctor     Gorav Ailawadi, MD

    Gorav Ailawadi, MD, MBA

    Professor

    Thoracic Surgery, Surgery

    Robert John Beaulieu, MD

    Robert John Beaulieu, MD

    Clinical Associate Professor

    Vascular Surgery

    Craig Stanton Brown, MD

    Craig Stanton Brown, MD

    Clinical Assistant Professor

    Vascular Surgery

    Frank Michael Davis, MD

    Frank Michael Davis, MD

    Assistant Professor

    Vascular Surgery

    George Michael Deeb, MD

    Professor

    Thoracic Surgery, Surgery

    Jonathan Lee Eliason, MD

    Jonathan Lee Eliason, MD

    Professor

    Vascular Surgery, Surgery

    Shinichi Fukuhara, MD

    Clinical Assistant Professor

    Thoracic Surgery, Surgery

    Barbara Hamilton, MD

    Barbara Hamilton, MD, MS

    Clinical Assistant Professor

    Thoracic Surgery, Cardiac Surgery

    Robert Bruce Hawkins, MD

    Robert Bruce Hawkins, MD, MSc

    Assistant Professor

    Thoracic Surgery

    Peter Kerr Henke, MD

    Peter Kerr Henke, MD

    Professor

    Vascular Surgery, Surgery

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