Endocarditis may be caused by bacteria or fungi that erode, or wear away, the heart valves, or in some cases make the valves bumpy (these bumps are called vegetations—think cauliflower). Explain the...

Endocarditis may be caused by bacteria or fungi that erode, or wear away, the heart valves, or in some cases make the valves bumpy (these bumps are called vegetations—think cauliflower). Explain the possible consequences of this. Several types of artificial hearts are being developed and tested. What are the three essential characteristics a truly useful artificial heart must have? One is obvious, the others, perhaps not as much so.