Infective endocarditis: perioperative management and surgical principles.

Despite advances in microbial prevention and elimination, the frequency of endocardial infection is still increasing and it remains to be a serious condition. The strategies and aggressiveness of medical and surgical algorithms for managing these patients are evolving and having a significant effect on morbidity and mortality. This review addresses the current understanding of the processes by which the most common and most threatening complications occur, and the current management strategies that cardiologists and cardiac surgeons should be aware of when treating these seriously ill patients.