A method of treating or preventing endocarditis in a patient in need of therapy is disclosed. The method includes identifying a patient inflicted with or being at risk of contracting endocarditis caused by streptococci, staphylococci, or entercocci； and locally delivery in the vicinity of an aortic valve a therapeutically effective amount of an antibiotic or antimicrobial agent for the systemic delivery of the antibiotic or antimicrobial agent to the aortic valve for the treatment or prevention of endocarditis.
