Cardiac transplantation: the final therapeutic option for the treatment ofheart failure

End-stage heart failure is still associated with a decrease in quality and prognosis of life. Cardiac transplantation remains the final extraordinary therapeutic option for the treatment of truly irreversible end-stage heart failure in all age groups. The selection process of candidates and the acce ptance of patients with relative contra-indications is characterized by the experience and skills of an interdisciplinary transplant team, which shoul d have access to different mechanical circulatory support systems for short -term or long-term use: bridging to transplant as well as for recovery. (C) 2000 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Inc.