Infected Endovascular Stent Graft Leading to Degradation of the Superficial Femoral Artery

Abstract

Background:

Endovascular graft infections can be devastating, with endovascular aortic aneurysm repair graft infections being the most reported. However, peripheral endovascular grafts are placed more frequently with fewer reports of infection.

Case Presentation:

We review an infected left superficial femoral artery (SFA) endovascular graft leading to degradation of the vessel. A 69-year-old patient with bilateral chronic limb ischemia underwent staged bilateral endovascular intervention. He presented one year later with an expanding left groin hematoma. Exploration revealed degradation of the left SFA. He underwent graft excision and bypass reconstruction.

Conclusions:

Infections of peripheral stent grafts are likely underreported and should be considered when treating peripheral endovascular-related complications.