This multi-disciplinary approach to cardiac transplantation reflects the many different aspects of the medical, nursing and social sciences that come into play. It contains practical information for all members of the transplantation team - from surgeon to resident to nurse. The clinical information includes the protocols developed at the Oregon Health Sciences Center. The literature on which their experience is based is also reviewed. The chapters give an overview of aspects such as ventricular assistance, recipient/donor selection, endomyocardial biopsy, immuno-suppressive regimes, and follow-up care. The book does not attempt to be a comprehensive treatise on surgical techniques; instead it is a clear and understandable manual for all medical professionals dealing with the cardiac transplant patient.