[Tricuspid valve replacement for infectious endocarditis associated with ventricular septal defect--report of three cases].

We reported two male and one female patient (17, 36 and 47 years old, respectively) who presented infectious endocarditis (IE) in association with ventricular septal defect (VSD). In all cases, surgical treatment was performed in the acute stage of IE for persistent sepsis, pulmonary embolisms, and for giant vegetations. Because the tricuspid valve apparatus was severely damaged, valve replacement with the Carpentier-Edwards pericardial bioprosthesis was done and small VSD was directly closed in all cases. In one case, a complete heart block occurred, which necessitated postoperative implantation of a permanent pacemaker. All patients recovered and resumed their original social activities without the relapse of endocarditis.