Thoracic endovascular aortic repair for native or prosthetic aortic infection: Solution or a Bridge to Nowhere? With focus on Fistulae.

Abstract

Vascular graft infection continues to be a highly morbid condition, still associated to high mortality. Aortoesophageal and aortobronchial fistulae are the most dreadful complications of graft infection. There is scanty related information in the literature and, due to the rarity of these communications, it is not possible to standardize the combined medical, interventional and surgical therapy. This document aims at offering an updated overview of the most recent relevant contributions on the visceral fistulous communications, summarize what actions are usually taken and respond to the question posed in the title.