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Vascular infections: medical and surgical therapies
1Sinclair School of Nursing, University of Missouri-Columbia, USA.
Abstract:
Vascular infections are a serious problem, often associated with high morbidity and mortality. This article reviews the etiology, pathophysiology, risk factors, and treatment of surgical wound infections, prosthetic graft infections, aortoenteric fistulas (AEFs), and infected vascular ulcers. The primary cause of surgical wound infections is contamination by skin organisms during surgery. Prosthetic graft infections typically result from a progressive wound infection. Comorbid conditions are also related to vascular infections. Nurses should identify vascular patients at increased risk for infection, monitor them closely, and intervene to optimize the healing environment.
Insights
Vascular infections pose significant health risks. This review covers causes, risk factors, and treatments for various vascular infections, emphasizing nursing
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Vascular Surgery
- Clinical Nursing
Background:
- Vascular infections represent a critical clinical challenge, frequently leading to severe illness and death.
- Understanding the origins and progression of these infections is vital for effective patient management.
- Common vascular infections include surgical wound infections, prosthetic graft infections, aortoenteric fistulas (AEFs), and infected vascular ulcers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To comprehensively review the etiology, pathophysiology, risk factors, and treatment strategies for key vascular infections.
- To highlight the role of nursing in identifying at-risk patients and optimizing the healing environment.
Main Methods:
- Literature review synthesizing current knowledge on vascular infections.
- Analysis of causative agents, particularly skin organism contamination in surgical wound infections.
- Examination of the link between prosthetic graft infections and progressive wound infections.
Main Results:
- Surgical wound infections commonly stem from intraoperative contamination by skin flora.
- Prosthetic graft infections often develop as a complication of existing wound infections.
- Comorbid conditions significantly contribute to the incidence and severity of vascular infections.
Conclusions:
- Vascular infections require a multidisciplinary approach involving timely diagnosis and treatment.
- Proactive nursing interventions, including risk identification and close monitoring, are essential for preventing and managing these infections.
- Optimizing the local healing environment is a key nursing responsibility in vascular infection care.