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RACS ASC 2025
Omental flap coverage for Thoracic Aortic Graft Infections: An overview of the literature
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Poster

Disciplines

Vascular Surgery

Presentation Description

Institution: Townsville University Hospital - Queensland, Australia

Thoracic aortic graft infections (TAGI) are a complication of aortic grafts, with an incidence of 1-3% (1). TAGI has high mortality due to complications such as pseudoaneurysms and aortoenteric fistulas (2). Surgical options such as explantation and graft replacement carry significant risks (3). An alternative is the use of autologous vascularized tissue such as the omentum, which is wrapped around the graft. The omentum aids in antibiotic delivery and has shown promising results (4). This review examines the long-term outcomes of omental flap coverage for TAGI. A literature search in PubMed, Cochrane, and Google Scholar using terms like ‘omental flap’ and ‘aortic graft infection’ yielded 11 studies. A study of 20 patients undergoing omental coverage for TAGI revealed a 30-day mortality, and overall reduced re-infection rates (4). A study of 50 patients showed reduced mortality with omental flaps (23%) compared to graft excision alone (35%) (5). The literature review suggests reduced infection following omental coverage, with successful management in approximately 80-90% of patients. Omental flap coverage reduces infection and enhances survival in patients with TAGI. 1.O’Sullivan KE et al. Exploring Thoracic Aortic Graft Infection. J Card Surg. 2024 2.Fodor M et al. The role of the pedicle omental flap in ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm. J Int Med Res. 2021 3.Jamieson RW et al. Aortic graft preservation by debridement and omental wrapping. Ann Vasc Surg. 2012 4.Hernandez JA et al. Omental Flap Coverage for Thoracic Aortic Graft Infection. Ann Thorac Surg. 2020 5.Shijo T et al. Impact of vascularized tissue flap coverage on aortic graft infection. Eur J Cardiothorac Surg. 2021
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Authors

Dr Maarisha Kumar -