The use of a vascular patch CorMatrix ECM® for reconstruction of carotid arteries in the treatment of postoperative wound infection.

Abstract

Introduction Operation site infection after carotid endarterectomy is a rare, but potentially fatal complication. The aim of this paper was to present two cases of using CorMatrix ECM® patch for reconstruction of a damaged artery in the course of an operation site infection.

Outline of cases There was an infection and pseudoaneurysm formation in these patients after carotid endarterectomy; one of them ruptured, causing massive hemorrhage. In both cases, carotid artery was reconstructed using CorMatrix ECM® patch resulting in resolution of infection and postoperative wounds healing with maintained complete patency of carotid arteries.

Conclusion The vascular patch of the extracellular matrix CorMatrix ECM® enables successful and safe angioplasty of an artery.

Keywords: operation site infection; carotid endarterectomy; artery reconstruction