[Surgical treatment of infective endocarditis]

In 43 patients with infective endocarditis aortic valve involvement was seen in 37, mitral valve in 4 and both in 2. 81.39% of the patients had the disease secondary to chronic cardiac valve disease. Follow-up ranged from 1.5 months to 10 years (mean 3.27 years). Early death occurred in 5 patients (11.65%) and late death in 4. According to clinical states and cardiac function, the patients were divided into two groups: acute and chronic cardiac dysfunction. In the former group, operation was done in 9 to 14 days after administration of antibiotics, and in the latter, 6 weeks to 3 months after infection had been controlled. The proper time for operation, the management of special problems and the factors influencing operative effects were discussed.