Cryopreserved Homografts in Infected Infrainguinal Fields Are Associated with Frequent Reinterventions and Poor Amputation-Free Survival

Abstract

Background Single-length saphenous vein continues to be the conduit of choice in infected-field critical limb ischemia. However, half of these individuals have inadequate vein secondary to previous use or chronic venous disease. We reviewed our outcomes of infected-field infrainguinal bypasses performed with cryopreserved homografts (CHs), a widely accepted alternative to autogenous vein in this setting.

Methods This is a retrospective, institutional descriptive analysis of infected-field infrainguinal revascularizations between 2012 and 2015.

Results Twenty-four operations were performed in the same number of patients for limb ischemia with signs of active infection. The mean age of the cohort examined was 62.5 ± 14.4 (standard deviation) years. Mean Society of Vascular Surgery risk score was 3.9 with a baseline Rutherford's chronic ischemia score of 4.3 at presentation. Emergent procedures constituted 29% of cases, and the remainder cases were urgent procedures. The CH bypass captured was a reoperative procedure in all but one of the patients. Culture positivity was present in 75% of cases with Staphylococcus aureus (29%), the most commonly isolated organism. Thirty-day mortality and major adverse cardiovascular events were both 4%. Amputation-free survival (AFS) was 75% at 30 days. Similarly, 30-day reintervention was 38% with debridement (43%) and bleeding (29%), the most common indications. Average duration of follow-up was 27.9 ± 20.4 months (range: 0.5–60.4). Mean length of stay was 14.8 days. Reinfection requiring an additional procedure or antibiotic regimen separate from the index antibiotic course was 13%. Primary patency and AFS at 1 year was 50% and 58%, respectively. Primary patency and AFS at 2 years was 38% and 52%, respectively. Limb salvage at 1 and 2 years was 70% and 65%, respectively. Fifteen patients (63%) required reintervention during the follow-up period with 40% of those subjects undergoing multiple procedures.

Conclusions CHs remain a marginal salvage conduit in the setting of infection and no autogenous choices. Therefore, clinicians should individualize usage of this high-cost product in highly selected patients only.