US counterpoint to chapter 18

Chapter 18 is a comprehensive review of the most commonly used vascular prostheses and the suggested long-term evaluation and follow-up based on the current available literature. In general, we agree with the authors' recommendations. They concentrate on grafts and devices commonly used in a broadly based peripheral vascular practice. They discuss in detail the topic of graft infection, which is an uncommon but extremely severe complication of vascular reconstructions. They describe in detail the etiology, frequent complications, and potential prevention techniques for prosthetic graft infections based on a wide range of published reports. We agree with their analyses and recommendations (see Tables 1-10). Subsequently, they review the most commonly treated areas of the vascular tree in an organized and thoughtful fashion. The Washington University vascular surgery service feels this list is appropriate and generally concurs with it.