Infected aneurysms

Arterial infection is one of the most demanding problems encountered by the vascular surgeon. Although improvements in surgical technique and better antimicrobial prophylaxis have reduced septic complications of vascular reconstruction, the infected aneurysm continues to pose a threat to life and limb. Even in an era of rapidly expanding diagnostic and endovascular therapeutic technology, diagnosis remains dicult and is oen delayed, treatment is challenging, and the results, while improving, are far from satisfactory. It is the purpose of this chapter to oer a pragmatic denition of infected aneurysms, to highlight the appropriate diagnostic approach, to provide an overview of the microbiology and anatomic distribution of these lesions and to outline therapeutic options.