Risk Factors of Brothers et al for Infection of an Infrainguinal Prosthetic Vascular Graft

 

Independent risk factors for infection:

(1) amputation in the lower extremity, especially if done within 6 months of the initial grafting procedure (indicative of failed revascularization)

(2) need for early reoperation (within 4 weeks of the initial grafting procedure)

(3) normal renal function (absence of renal failure)

 

Additional factors:

(1) thrombosis of the graft

(2) gangrene

 

Reasons for reoperation may include:

(1) thrombectomy

(2) graft revision

(3) amputation

 

Most infections (95%) following a major amputation occurred within 5 years so after 5 years the risk is low.

 

If a patient requires amputation of the lower extremity then the prosthetic graft should be partially or completely removed above the level of the amputation.