Management of aortic graft infection using biological neoaortic reconstruction: mid-term outcomes

Introduction Aortic graft infection (AGI) is a rare but challenging pathology that is associated with significant morbidity and mortality1,2. Open surgical repair with in situ aortic reconstruction offers a curative treatment option for certain patients, but few centres have a programme dedicated to the management of patients with this condition. In 2015, a multidisciplinary team (MDT) was developed to manage aortic infections by an individually tailored approach. The 5-year outcomes are reported in this study. Methods Data collection Consecutive patients undergoing treatment for descending thoracic and/or abdominal AGI between 2015 and 2020 were analysed. All patients met the management of AGI collaboration (MAGIC) diagnostic criteria3. Data collected included patient characteristics, interventions, microbiological results, reintervention and complication rates, and mortality. A curative state was defined by the presence of normal inflammatory markers and absence of constitutional or PET–CT (Maximum standardised uptake value [SUVmax] below 3.8)4 evidence of infection at a minimum of 1 month after cessation of antibiotics.