Final answer:
Yes, embolic infarct is one of the indications for surgery in cases of endocarditis, as it necessitates intervention to prevent further embolism or to repair existing damage.
Step-by-step explanation:
Is embolic infarct an indication for surgery in the case of endocarditis? The answer would be Yes. Surgery is often indicated in endocarditis cases where there are complications such as heart failure, embolic events with large vegetations, infections caused by certain microorganisms that are difficult to treat with antibiotics alone, or if the infection persists despite appropriate antimicrobial treatment. In endocarditis, bacterial vegetations can form on heart valves, causing damage which may lead to the need for surgical valve replacement. Moreover, these vegetations can break off and cause embolic infarcts, necessitating surgical intervention to prevent further embolism or to repair the damage caused by an existing embolism.