Intra-arterial Device Infections

As an increasing number and variety of prosthetic devices are used in cardiovascular medicine, novel infectious complications have been described. Infection of intra-arterial devices, including arterial closure devices, prosthetic carotid patches, coronary artery stents and endovascular stents, and stent-grafts, is now being reported. Prosthetic vascular graft infection is an older, more common, and better-characterized entity, but recent developments in the surgical management of these infections have prompted a re-examination of the syndrome. Staphylococcal species account for most intra-arterial device infections, and often, morbidity and mortality rates are high. An update on intra-arterial device infections is warranted.