[Vascular System Infections: Characteristics, Risk Factors, Prevention Methods and Economic Impact].

One of the main problems of modern medicine are infections. They can be divided into local and general (depending on infected tissues and/or organs) or hospital and community-acquired infections (depending on the location and source of infection). The occurrence of infection reduces the ability for quick recovery, and in case of complications the ability to continue professional activity. Bacteria can be present in the vascular system causing vein, artery, capillary infection or blood infection (bacteremia). The vascular system infection can be connected with medical procedures, type and chemical composition of used medical devices or biomaterials. The usage of central or peripheral venous catheters can increase the risk factor of vascular system infection. The main risk factors of hospital infection are: patient's condition, surgical procedure and hospital aseptic procedures. Improving the current state of knowledge of medical personnel and implementation of well-designed prevention procedures can contribute to reducing hospital infection factors. The technical quality of used medical devices (e.g. anti-bacterial coat on vascular prostheses) can also reduce the risk of infection. Raising awareness and educating the patient (e.g. with infected trophic ulcers) can be an important element of control and prevention of nosocomial and communityacquired infections. Medical literature containing procedures and descriptions of specific medical cases related to development process of infections was analysed. The literature confirms the significant magnitude of the problems associated with the vascular system infections.