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.
Proposed algorithm to address severe MAC during mitral valve surgery. Central Message Severe MAC is a complex problem that requires an armamentarium of tools. The cardiac surgeon of this era should be facile with multiple methods to manage patients with severe MAC. Perspective Severe MAC poses challenges that lack a consensus solution. We review the current and evolving strategies to address severe MAC during mitral valve surgery.
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