Preoperative Evaluation and Work-Up and of the Patient with Infective Endocarditis Requiring Surgery

This chapter is based on the 2016 AATS guidelines for treatment of infective endocarditis (IE) and covers basics related to the immediate surgical work-up and management of patients with IE. The team management of patients with IE is emphasized. The primary focus is what the surgeon needs to know before taking the patient to surgery. Preoperative imaging screening and impact of neurological complications are outlined. The bacteremia should be cleared before going to surgery and the patient should be on an effective antimicrobial regimen, but there are no recommendations for duration of preoperative antibiotics.