Infection of a Nitinol Popliteal Arterial Stent

Abstract

Introduction

Stenting of femoropopliteal segment disease is becoming more acceptable as a durable procedure. Recognised complications include infection; however, this is rare in bare nitinol stents.

Report

We present the first case of an infected bare nitinol stent in the popliteal artery treated with explantation of the stent, ligation of the artery, and a femoropopliteal reversed-vein bypass graft. Complete wound healing and patent bypass graft noted at three-month follow-up.

Discussion

Infected stents are associated with significant morbidity and mortality, and need to be removed.