Successful Treatment for Infected Aortic Graft and Sternal Osteomyelitis
Author Information
Author(s): Dominik W. Schmid, Christina Orasch-Jörg, Reto Wettstein, Daniel Kalbermatten, Atanas Todorov, Gerhard Pierer
Primary Institution: University Hospital of Basel
Hypothesis
Can an infected ascending aortic graft and sternal osteomyelitis be treated successfully without graft removal?
Conclusion
The treatment approach using well-vascularized tissues and antibiotics was effective in managing the patient's infections without needing to remove the graft.
Supporting Evidence
- The patient developed a systemic inflammatory response syndrome post-surgery.
- Blood cultures revealed Staphylococcus aureus infection.
- The patient was discharged one month after the intervention.
- One year post-surgery, the patient showed no signs of infection.
Takeaway
Doctors found a way to help a very sick man with an infected heart graft and chest bone infection without taking out the graft, using special muscle flaps and medicine.
Methodology
The patient received radical debridement and coverage with bilateral pectoralis muscle flaps.
Limitations
The study is based on a single case report, limiting generalizability.
Participant Demographics
A 60-year-old critically ill male patient.
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