When All Is Said and Done: Waiting for a Heart Transplant

Despite prevention of sudden cardiac death with an implantable defibrillator and the treatment of heart failure with optimal medical therapy and biventricular pacing for resynchronization, ultimately many patients will reach terminal heart failure in need of a heart transplant. In this chapter, the historical evolution of heart transplantation and the discovery of immunosuppressive therapy are addressed. In addition, the cases of two patients, one who received a transplant and another still waiting for one, are discussed.