Nosocomial infections (NIs) after open heart surgery are recognized as an important cause of morbidity and mortality with a prolonged hospital stay, increased need for of antibiotics, decreased quality of life and higher concomitant costs. Decontamination of the oropharynx seems important, since there is direct evidence of an association between pulmonary infection and oral health. Another important strategy involves the eradication of Staphylococcus aureus, the most important pathogen causing SSI. The most common reservoir of S.aureus is the anterior nares and eradication can be achieved by the application of topical antibiotics. Although promising results have been reported for both strategies, they are not widely used as routine prevention methods because of the variability of trial design, the concern about the emergence of antimicrobial resistance and increased costs. Further research is essential to evaluate different protocols, antimicrobial agents and cost-effectiveness.