High-Risk Cardiac Conditions for Which Antibiotic Prophylaxis Is Indicated With Infected Skin or Breach of Oral Mucosa

■ Surgical planning consists of many steps, from office scheduling to preoperative patient preparation and sterile technique. ■ A preoperative medical evaluation can prevent complications. It helps to get a blood pressure before starting surgery because severely elevated blood pressure can lead to increased bleeding and other complications. ■ Informed consent and universal precautions are discussed. ■ While we do not suggest stopping anticoagulation, it does help to be aware of whether a patient is anticoagulated before making the first cut with a scalpel. ■ Antibiotic prophylaxis is reviewed by making use of minimal existing evidence and when it might be appropriate to consider their use based on risk assessment. ■ Tips for preoperative preparation and sterile technique are provided.