Infective Endocarditis and Cardiac Device Infection — Gold Coast
Infective endocarditis is infection of the heart valves or the inner lining of the heart. It is uncommon, serious, and needs specialist management. Infections of pacemakers, implantable defibrillators and other cardiac devices carry many of the same difficulties. Our physicians have a particular clinical and research interest in this area.
What we manage
- Native valve endocarditis
- Prosthetic valve endocarditis
- Infection of pacemakers, implantable defibrillators and cardiac resynchronisation devices
- Infection of vascular grafts and other implanted cardiovascular material
- Staphylococcus aureus bloodstream infection, where endocarditis must be excluded
- Persistent or recurrent bloodstream infection of unclear source
Why specialist involvement matters
Endocarditis management depends on getting three things right: an accurate microbiological diagnosis before antibiotics are started wherever possible, appropriate imaging to define the extent of infection, and a clear decision on whether surgery is needed and when.
Care is coordinated with cardiology and, where indicated, cardiothoracic surgery. Treatment courses are typically prolonged, and part of the specialist role is deciding when intravenous therapy can safely be stepped down or moved out of hospital.
Dr Peter Simos has particular clinical and research interests in bloodstream infection and infective endocarditis, and is Principal Investigator on Australasian multicentre platform trials investigating Staphylococcus aureus infection.
When to refer urgently
Patients with Staphylococcus aureus bacteraemia, a new murmur with fever, or a fever in the presence of a prosthetic valve or cardiac device should be discussed early. Please phone our rooms on 07 5530 0770 to discuss urgent referrals.
Patients who are systemically unwell or haemodynamically unstable should be directed to an emergency department rather than referred for an outpatient appointment.
Referrals
A current referral addressed to our rooms, or to one of our specialists by name, is required before an appointment can be arranged.
Gold Coast Infection Specialists Mater Private Hospital Gold Coast Specialist Suites Ground Floor, 14 Hill Street, Southport QLD 4215 Phone: 07 5530 0770