Introduction: Primary infection of a bare metal stent is a rare condition, associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Definitive treatment includes stent removal and arterial reconstruction.
Report: This study details a common iliac stent infection after re-intervention for iliac stent occlusion, complicated by pseudoaneurysm formation and septic embolisation. Potential risk factors for stent infection were identified. An open surgical resection of the affected artery along with all stent material was performed, followed by reconstruction with autologous interposition superficial femoral vein. There were no complications and no recurrent infection at 6 months follow-up.
Conclusion: Although rare, bare metal stent infection may occur, and a high index of suspicion is required. Stent surgical removal and arterial in situ reconstruction with autologous femoral vein proved to be a definitive procedure with no mid-term morbidity.
Keywords: Bare metal stent; Femoral vein; Iliac stent; In-situ reconstruction; Pseudoaneurysm; Stent infection.