Endocarditis Complicating Open-Heart Surgery

Abstract

Endocarditis occurred in 18 of 2585 cases of open heart surgery reviewed. Predominant organism was staphylococcus. Contaminated heart lung machines, septic thrombophlebitis and contaminated blood were causative in some. Other sources were discussed. The higher incidence occurred where pre-operative prophylactic antibiotics were given. All patients received antibiotics post-operatively prophylactically. Early diagnosis depends upon immediate repeated post-operative blood cultures. Therapy should be intensive, prolonged and may require re-operation for removal of infected intracardiac sutures or prostheses. Two cases are reported in detail and illustrate problems encountered.