Dacron patch infection after carotid angioplasty. A report of 6 cases

We describe our experience with Dacron patch infections after carotid endarterectomy (CEA).

From 633 patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy with Dacron patching, six re-presented with prosthetic infections. In 3 of the 6 cases a neck haematoma had necessitated surgical revision after the original carotid surgery. Five patients underwent interposition vein grafting and 1 vein patch angioplasty. Postoperatively, 2 patients developed a repeat infection including the 1 patient with patch angioplasty. All patients were free of infection and neurological symptoms after a maximum follow-up of 56.5 months.

Following the development of haemorrhage or wound complications careful clinical surveillance should be carried out after carotid reconstruction.