Endocarditis Prophylaxis | Mitral valve prolapse

Endocarditis Prophylaxis

Endocarditis prophylaxis is an antibiotic cover for minor surgical procedures such as tooth extraction. This is intended to prevent the development of a dangerous inflammation of the inner wall of the heart in heart-damaged patients. In the past, the need for such antibiotic coverage was much broader.

However, data have shown that the necessity has been eased. Patients with a mitral valve prolapse do not need endocarditis prophylaxis, but patients with a valve replacement do. Prophylaxis is carried out approximately 30-60 minutes before surgery by administration of the antibiotic amoxicillin.