From October 1988 to November 1989, seven patients underwent valve replacement during the active phase of native valve endocarditis. There were 4 males and 3 females whose mean age was 41 years[range, 16 to 68 years]. Preoperative two-dimensional and Doppler echocardiography showed vegetations and severe valvular regurgitation in all patients. Blood cultures were positive in 4, and negative in 3 patients Organisms were alpha-hemolytic Streptococcus in 2, Staphylococcus epidermidis in 1, Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae in 1 patient Valve tissue cultures were negative in all patients. Intravenous antibiotic therapy had been done for 3 to 18 days in 5 patients pre-operatively and was not done in 2 patients, Indications for operation were heart failure in h, and systemic emboli in 1 patient. The aortic valve was involved in 3, mitral in 1, and both aortic and mitral in 3 patients, One operative death[14.4%] occurred in patient with cardiogenic shock before operation. Late death occurred in one on 14 months after operation. The remaining 5 patients were followed up over a two year period in good condition. In conclusion, native valve endocarditis with severe heart failure must be considered for early operation.