Hybrid treatment of the infected carotid-subclavian graft complicated by the septic haemorrhage

Abstract

The paper presents combined method of treatment to 90-year-old female, admitted with the hemorrhage from the chronic purulent fistula in her left neck in the incision post left carotid to subclavian artery bypass in 1971. In the vascular center where she was operate on (outside of Poland) it was suggested, that she should undergo graft excision because of the possibility of graft blow and subsequent exsanguinations as the most severe complication but finally she gave up. In the new circumstances, in the face of no-indirect threat to life, there was urgent need for surgical treatment. Being aware of multiple risk factors from age, general condition and changes in local, developed the concept of radical, yet more saving, to-step procedure. At first by percutaneous means covered stents were implanted into the places of vascular anastomoses, followed by angioplasty of the narrowed origin of left subclavian artery. In the second phase, after a few days, the infected prosthesis was excised and the cavities in the arterial walls of the two arteries were provided. Before, during and after surgery targeted antibiotics were used with classic antiplatelet therapy regimen. Post-operative course was uneventful. The wound healed properly. Which currently consisting of 93 years, as for her age, she in excellent condition overall. There were no signs of infection recurrence observed.