[Surgical treatment of valvular lesions of the heart in septic endocarditis].

Surgical interventions for valvular septic lesions of the heart were performed in 21 patients. Total surgical mortality reached 53%. The mortality rate was smaller in the patients with primary septic endocarditis, in spite of their poorer initial condition, as compared to the patients with secondary septic endocarditis coupled with rheumatic process (33 and 75%, respectively). A classification of septic endocarditis is proposed, based on their etiology, pathogenesis and clinical course, the type of affected valve, the extent of circulatory disturbance and prospective complications. Correct diagnosis and identification of indications for surgery with the help of this classification, timely surgical treatment, improved surgical techniques and accumulated clinical experience have all contributed to reducing the mortality rate to 12.5%.