In situ replacement of infected vascular prostheses with rifampin-soaked vascular grafts: early results.

Based on the excellent results of experimental studies with antibiotic-bonded vascular prostheses for prevention of graft infection, gelatin-sealed grafts soaked with rifampin were implanted in situ in five patients with vascular infection. All patients were at risk for limb loss or death and could not be treated by standard techniques such as graft excision and extra-anatomic bypass. In one patient an infected aortic stump aneurysm with involvement of both renal and visceral arteries was found. He was treated by implantation of a bifurcation rifampin-soaked graft between the subdiaphragmal aorta and both renal arteries and reimplantation of celiac and superior mesenteric artery into the graft. In four patients with in-flow or runoff problems on angiography, an antibiotic-soaked graft was used for replacement of a partially or totally infected graft. Cultures were positive for Staphylococcus aureus in three and coagulase-negative staphylococci in two patients. Wound healing was uncomplicated; there was no need for amputation. After a follow-up of at least 6 months, all grafts were patent without any evidence of reinfection on computed tomographic scan. We conclude that infected vascular prostheses can be replaced in situ by rifampin-soaked grafts in patients at high risk for death or major amputation.