Graft Infections in an Aortic Aneurysm

Graft infections in an aortic aneurysm occur when an endovascular stent graft is used to support the weakened wall of an artery known as an aneurysm. The condition is easily treatable.

Significance

• Aortic aneurysms are characterized by a balloon-like bulge that develop within the artery and threaten to burst. A rupture of this sort carries extreme potential for fatality with the majority of patients dieing before reaching emergency treatment.

Identification

• "An endovascular stent graft is a tube composed of fabric supported by a metal mesh called a stent," according to The Society for Vascular Surgery. The object strengthens the weakened artery and helps prevent a rupture.

Infection

• Infection is one of the possible complications of endovascular stent grafting. Fever and a high white blood cell count may occur for as much as a week after the procedure and are typically treated with aspirin or ibuprofen.

Prognosis

• Many doctors view the threat of infection as problematic, but manageable. "Endovascular stent graft repair has been our preferred approach, although its role remains controversial because persistent infection is always a concern," say physicians with The University of Hong Kong Medical Center. However, they report the procedure as effective and durable.

Complications

• Other potential complications include a leaking of blood around the graft called an endoleak. This leakage may stop by itself and is not exceptionally dangerous, although some instances may require additional surgery.