Anesthesia Considerations in Infective Endocarditis

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Cardiac Surgery
• Anesthesiology

Background:

• Infective endocarditis (IE) management is complex, necessitating multidisciplinary collaboration.
• Approximately 50% of IE patients require cardiac surgery, often in urgent or emergency settings.
• IE presents unique challenges in cardiac surgery due to its pathophysiology and clinical manifestations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current knowledge on infective endocarditis relevant to anesthesiologists.
• To highlight specific perioperative considerations for IE patients undergoing cardiac surgery.
• To advocate for the anesthesiologist's integral role in the endocarditis team.

Main Methods:

• This article is a narrative review.
• It synthesizes existing literature on infective endocarditis and perioperative management.
• Focuses on aspects critical for clinical anesthesiologists.

Main Results:

• Infective endocarditis requires specialized perioperative management.
• Key areas include echocardiography, coagulation, bleeding management, and organ dysfunction treatment.
• Anesthesiologists need a thorough understanding of IE's unique perioperative characteristics.

Conclusions:

• Anesthesiologists are vital members of the endocarditis management team.
• Integrating anesthesiologists structurally enhances perioperative care for IE patients.
• Multidisciplinary cooperation is essential for optimal outcomes in infective endocarditis management.