Antibiotic-impregnated Vascular Grafts

Intended for vascular surgeons, this book reviews the development of antibiotic-bonded grafts from the clinical problem through the experimental design and testing of these grafts.

Vascular grafts infections persist despite advances in graft materials and new, potent antibodies. The consequences of these infections - loss of limb or loss of life are the main significant problems. Antibiotic-bonded grafts provide protection against infections during the period of greatest vulnerability - the initial weeks following implantation. Experimental results demonstrate gradual improvement in the efficacy of these grafts.

Vascular graft infections - current status regarding diagnosis and managment
bacteriology and pathogenesis of graft infections
antibiotics used in the prophylaxis of graft infections
graft materials
models of graft infection - development and use
development and results of antibiotic-impregnated vascular grafts
future directions in the development of bacterial resistant grafts.