Aortobifemoral bypass with autogenous saphenous vein in treatment of paninfected aortic bifurcation graft.

An alternative method is presented in which aortobifemoral bypass with autogenous great saphenous vein is implanted after excision of previously inserted synthetic aortobifemoral grafts because of prosthetic "paninfection." The procedure was followed in five patients; one death occurred and the remaining four patients recovered completely from graft infection. Only in one case did saphenous vein thrombosis occur. These results are encouraging considering the high mortality rates following the previously available methods of management.